Regional centre

This refers to Shekhar Gupta8217;s column 8216;And then there were nine8217;. It is true that regionalism in politics has become significant since...

8226;This refers to Shekhar Gupta8217;s column 8216;And then there were nine8217;. It is true that regionalism in politics has become significant since the dawn of the coalition era. This may be attributed to the failure of national parties to deliver. The Congress has a deepening regional leadership crisis while it precariously holds on to power at the Centre. In fact, 8220;Dilli8221; would be a distant dream for the Congress without the support of regional parties. But the NDA is in no better a situation than the UPA. The NDA must come out of its shell, shed its indecisiveness and reach out to the masses. It doesn8217;t have a lot of time on its side. As for the UPA, it must prioritise its agenda over power and perform. Or else, it should perish in the next elections.

8212; S.K. Gupta

Delhi

Friends in need

8226;The report 8216;Day after dinner thaw, Amar Singh gets what he asked for: Z Security8217; indicated the disgusting state of Indian governance where norms are bent at leaders8217; whims, all to serve their selfish personal and political ends. Amar Singh was a pariah to the Congress till the other day, a smart dealer, a man for all seasons. Suddenly, the equations have changed 8212; in the name of fighting a common enemy. In disarray in UP, the Congress must lean on the SP8217;s crutches. Conferring Z security status on a politician hardly on terrorists8217; radar, is thus a small price to pay. But what does it say of the man of integrity who was Amar Singh8217;s host at the dinner?

8212; M. Ratan

New Delhi

Open city

8226;In 8216;City of strangers8217;, Amulya Gopalakrishnan has highlighted an acute emotional congestion that is compromising vibrancy in urban life. A colonial model for constructing cities has deprived residents of the give and take of urban life. More open spaces would make our cities better places to live and socialise in. It would also help mitigate the 8220;haves and have-nots8221; divide.Nonetheless, informal and cheerful spaces must be kept safe. Delhi is at present cheerful for neither residents nor visitors.

8212; Satish Lothe

Nashik

Conscience voting

8226;The results of the recently concluded panchayat elections in West Bengal and assembly elections in Karnataka show that the conscience of the electorate is very much alive. Despite the odds, voters have punished parties that abused their office when in power. It is particularly heartening to see the predicament of the JDS. The Left Front still holds the reins in Bengal, but Nandigram has dealt it a severe blow. This wisdom of the electorate is the real strength of our democracy.

8212; H.S. Gur

Hisar