n The views expressed in the editorial Holy cows (IE,September 16) may be true. Or these may reflect our frame of mind as a result of the hypocritical pretence of our political class. Morality in public life is essential for good governance. Though I oppose almost all the policies and working style of the Congress,I yet appreciate the gesture of its leaders to travel simply,even after considering the negative factors mentioned in the editorial. It would be great if it is not pretence; but if it is,even then the gesture is not bad and needs to be repeated,for regular pretence may gradually turn into reality.
Satwant S. Kalkat
Penny wise,pound foolish
• The austerity measures initiated by Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee are no doubt noteworthy. But the Congress must rethink the measures and consequences. By undertaking train travel,they are causing harassment for the general passengers; the security personnels highhandedness too inconveniences people. Besides,when ministers travel economy,why are the seats next to them kept vacant? Are the airlines told not to sell tickets for those seats? If so,are these ministers taking the cost of such vacant seats into account? If the airlines have to go forego the fares of at least 3-4 seats every time a VVIP travels economy,what is the purpose of austerity measures?
Crishna S. Kumar
Dombivli
Keep options open
•This refers to K. Subrahmanyams two-part article on nuclear deterrence (IE,September 15,16). In a rational world,the no-first-use policy would be perfect. But with indoctrinated adversaries like global jihadists,euphemistically called non-state-actors in Pakistan,rationality can be ruled out. Then,no-first-use can be an idealists debilitating choice,allowing the aggressor to strike and deny,with our leadership sending dossiers of proof to Pakistan while succumbing to American advice (pressure?) to maintain calm.
The author argues that our adversarys decapitating strike can be countered by ensuring the continuity in respect of succession in both political and military commands. If the response to a terror attack like 26/11 is any indicator,where anarchy prevailed before the NSG took over,what fate would meet the political and military succession plan is anybodys guess. Keeping the pre-emptive strike option open,thereby keeping the enemy guessing our first move,eminently makes more sense.
Ajay Tyagi
Minister elsewhere
•This refers to the editorial Minister missing (IE,September 14). A Union government ministry means Mamata Banerjee holds that portfolio in the public interest. However,she keeps herself busy in her political campaign in her home state. An emerging India needs the proactive role of someone like her. Therefore,she shouldnt skip cabinet meetings or spend 20 out of 31 days in her state.
Khem Regmi
Kathmandu
