Lalu’s inevitable end?

•Lalu Prasad belongs to the contemporary band of politicians whose sole aim is the acquisition of power (‘The rift deepens’,IE,April 23). It’s obvious now that Prasad had gone with the UPA in 2004 just to be part of the government. His alliance with arch-rival Ram Vilas Paswan is a cynical attempt at getting as much as he can,keeping his options open to either go with the Third Front or return to the UPA after the results. The Congress would do well to remember what it has just declared — that it will not be easy for Prasad to grab a cabinet berth if the UPA returns.

— M.C. Joshi

Lucknow

•The editorial,‘The rift deepens’,aptly traces the trajectory of Lalu Prasad’s political career. But he isn’t as high as he was a few days ago. His predicament is the denouement of opportunistic politics,which believes only in ends and not in means. Alliances are bargaining counters for the Lalu Prasads,their only concern being power.

— Hema Langeri

Hoshiapur

Pak’s Frankenstein

•This refers to Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s ‘South by northwest?’ (IE,April 21). Mehta makes two incontestable points: that in Pakistan “the army remains the strongest institution”; and that “India should be cautious in its identification with the US.” The Pakistan army strengthened itself at the expense of democratic institutions. And now it looks vulnerable because of its own creation — the Taliban. As for the US,it was at the genesis of the jihadi problem. It now is its biggest target.

— Prasad Malladi

Nidadavole

What next?

•When gunmen from across the border went berserk in Mumbai on 26/11,India chastised Pakistan for its inaction and tacit support to the terrorists (‘Suspected Naxals hold train…’,IE,April 23). As the fight against the LTTE nears its end,New Delhi expresses concern for the safety of civilians while some,like Karunanidhi,even call Prabhakaran their friend. But when it comes to our homegrown Maoists,there’s nothing more than a polite remark from the PM that Naxalism is an internal security challenge. Well,they hijacked a train this time. What’s coming next?

— Ashwani Sharma

Ghaziabad

Minority view?

•Coalition governments at the Centre have failed miserably and caused great damage to the nation. Coalition partners seldom allow the leading party to work in peace,without worrying about survival. This time,more than ever before,a single party will be the farthest from the magic number. Since we cannot stop the proliferation of parties and local issues,we might as well legislate to allow the single largest party to form the government. Bills,etc however must be passed by due voting in Parliament. That would see horse trading over issues,but prevent the formation of the government itself through horse trading.

— N.V.S.N. Murthy

Gandhinagar

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