• I agree with Pranav Sachdeva’s views,‘The vicious cycle’(IE, Letters, Dec 1) about the mysterious state of Bihar where the RJD keeps winning elections in spite of Bihar’s development profile. The question is why do people keep on voting for the same government when they are aware of where their state stands in terms of progress and growth. Of the two pivotal points making up the cycle, namely RJD preventing development and lack of development preventing the expulsion of the RJD, the latter seems easier to tackle. First, a dose of “stiff” investment — strictly subject to the Centre’s control — must reach the state. The private sector must be encouraged here and the Supreme Court should address the problems in Bihar’s justice system by setting up fast track courts, etc. — Gaurav Dua Delhi Tavleen vs Teesta • In her response (IE, Dec 2), Teesta Setalvad spews much bile on dear Tavleen Singh, while portraying herself as the last line of defence between the barbarians and the civilised people. But is that really the case? Not if you consider the Sabrang website. Every issue is devoted to the “evil of Hindu fundamentalism”. — Harminder Singh Patiala • MS Tavleen Singh, I am a Hindu and I was in Gujarat. I have seen the hurt in the eyes of my Muslim friends. Do you not realise that Gujarat was the death of hope and of justice to the largest minority in India? You speak the language of Narendra Modi, who, when questioned about the atrocities in Gujarat, brings up the horrors Hindus have suffered and in doing so attempts a twisted logic to justify people being burnt, women (and children) being raped, and souls being scarred. I bow down to people who have the courage to stand up to this. If you were in Gujarat when I was, you would know what I am talking about. — Suma Pathy On e-mail Intelligent taxation • Political sagacity has necessarily to oversee even the best-intentioned policies lest they prove counter productive and hurt the interests of voters. The learned finance minister, P. Chidambaram, needs to reappraise certain of his policies, howsoever intelligently and sincerely they are designed to widen the tax base. Take the enlarged gamut of service tax which is causing extensive procedural difficulties for all, including farmers, in their dealings with banks and other services. Collection of small amounts of taxes spread over a wide area through an inefficient bureaucratic set up acts as deterrent to economic activities. People accept rational taxes but provided the previous resources are properly utilised. — O.N. Bhargava Rae Bareli Not after 60 • The PM’s decision not to re-employ or give extension to government officials who have retired on superannuation is the correct one and needs to be implemented immediately. The government should be ruthless in asking serving officers who are 60 or above to go home. This should also apply to judges and politicians. When the UPA government took over, an officer who was working as secretary in an important department for only two months was asked to retire on June 29, 2004, one day earlier to the actual date of superannuation, and asked to take over as secretary, National Advisory Council, on June 30. The Council today is full of retired government servants who had been faithful to various powerful individuals! — B. Krishnamoorthy New Delhi
