Opinion Another front

* Apropos of the editorial ‘Back to third’ (IE, February 4), before every election, regional parties exert themselves to form a non-Congress and non-BJP front. But, as pointed out by the editorial, front governments, which have always been short lived, have never been formed without the support of either the Congress or the BJP. Having suffered immensely under the misrule of the Congress-led UPA government, people are seeking change and a strong and stable government at the Centre. The only viable alternative to the UPA is the BJP-led NDA. An Aam Aadmi Party government or a non-Congress, non-BJP coalition of regional parties will be weak and unstable.
— M.C. Joshi
Lucknow

* Around general election time, regional parties start contemplating the formation of alternative groupings that exclude the BJP and the Congress. But these formations have dim chances in Indian politics. Before forming a Third Front, the constituent parties should decide who the front’s prime ministerial candidate will be. Given how disparate the Third Front parties are, how will they narrow in on a united vision and mission? Governance under the Third Front will be chaotic. This is something voters need to be aware of. India can ill afford another five years of paralysis and disorderly administration.
— Bidyut K. Chatterjee
Faridabad

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Behind the scenes
* This refers to ‘Reading the clean chit’ by Vinay Sitapati (IE, February 3). Sitapati’s excellent article reiterates what must be considered common sense. It’s not just Narendra Modi who should be held responsible — morally, if not legally — for the 2002 riots, but all the policemen, BJP members and other Sangh ideologues who committed criminal acts. They should be held responsible for all that they have done. They behaved with impunity, believing that Modi would save them from the law. One only hopes that the law catches up with them sooner rather than later.
— K. Rajagopalan
Surat

Aggression central
* This refers to the editorial ‘Delhi’s shame’ (IE, February 3). The need for effective police action and raising awareness against racial prejudice was rightly emphasised. However, another important factor, which may be unique to Delhi, is also at work. The aggressive manner in which Delhi residents behave, and the near total absence of compassion, humility and civility marks Delhi out as different from other Indian metros. People in Delhi almost take pride in being rude and overbearing. Such behaviour is seen as symbolic of wielding power and having connections in high places.
— Anil Kulshrestha
Noida