Wrong bedfellows

The Indian Left has mastered the art of being destructive in both support and opposition...

8226;The Indian Left has mastered the art of being destructive in both support and opposition 8216;What8217;s left?8217;. No wonder it takes credit for the UPA8217;s successes and distances itself from the failures of the government. What surprises one is the gullibility of seasoned Congressmen. Communist support was always a ploy and, to give the devil his due, the Left has made little attempt to hide this fact. The Congress leadership has only itself to blame for the trap the party finds itself in.

8212; G.S. Kulkarni

Delhi

8226; The editorial 8216;What8217;s left?8217; rightly observed that 8220;The UNPA, the trial balloon floated as a nascent third alternative, has already shrunk8221;. The Left8217;s attempt to dissociate itself from the plight of the Congress in assembly polls has surprised no one. The Left is a political opportunist. It believes that it is free to turn whichever way it desires, without any hurdle. Well, leftists are about to be proved wrong. All political parties should take note of the Left8217;s opportunism, and any future coalition must think twice before inviting its support.

8212; S.K. Gupta

Delhi

Not the way

8226; It is unfortunate that the Gurjjars, in demanding their inclusion in the ST list, have once again taken to the streets to violently air their demands. It is more unfortunate that the discussions that took place during the intervening period did not impress the community leaders.India has been witnessing frequent resort to violence for demands that could be discussed across the table.

In fact, democracy provides ample space for meaningful dialogue. And the state, for its part, must refrain from killing agitators, which will further alienate them.

8212; Bichu Muttathara

Pune

Closed doors

8226;It was shocking to learn that a new medical college in Delhi, founded with taxpayers8217; money, is clandestinely attempting to keep a large section of society out 8216;Army college in affiliation hiccup8230;8217;.Even private colleges that receive no financial aid from the government adhere to the policy of minimum representation of all sections of society.

An institution such as the one in question is of national importance, and its position can only be strengthened if it boasts a nationwide representation of students. The public, which has faith in the system and the people who run it, expect their legitimate interests to be protected. It is time corrections were made by reformulating the admission policy so that everybody can contribute to and benefit from an institution of pride.

8212; H.S. Saini

Faridabad