• The editorial Mayawati muchnessclearly shows that,in our country,only two key words matter: notes and votes. The picture showing Mayawati wearing a garland of currency notes is an offence to the poor struggling for one square meal a day. She must understand that symbolism of any kind will not improve the living conditions of people. The practice of decorating leaders with currency garlands has been in vogue for long. It is a matter of shame that in a country where thousands of people live a ravenous life,a political leader humiliates us with such uncalled-for display of money. Mayawati and her followers should understand that such tricks will not,in any way,augment the reputation of the leader.
Vinod C. Dixit
The number trick
• Empowering women is a good idea but what is more important is getting them due justice. Any discrimination against women on the basis of gender is undesirable. The Womens Reservation Bill is a step towards getting them a desirable portion but certain facts cannot be overlooked. Getting women of every community representation according to the proportion of population will be the right way to empowering them. Anything more or less will only widen the scope of discrimination against women. I agree with Aijaz Ilmi that if,with a population of six crore,England can have 533 MPs,why does India,with 110 crore,have only 542 MPs? He is quite right that an additional 33 per cent seats could have been reserved for women without the hue and cry that is being created over the bill.
Manzar Imam New Delhi
Party time
• Baba Ramdevs intention to cleanse the moribund politics of India is a welcome move. We need more genuine people to enter politics to bring some sanity to Indian politics. His credentials are beyond any doubt. His vow to bring back the black money stashed away in Swiss banks will bring solace to Indias striving millions. Liberalisation has helped a select few. We need to have inclusive growth.
Indira Raghavan
• Ramdev will have more followers in teaching yoga than practising politics. Parliamentarians must call for debate on the emergence of numerous political parties in the name of democracy as it is seen to be doing more harm than good to the governance of the country.
Deepak Chikramane
Medal counts
• The pugilists are lifting the nations pride to the level which cannot be compared to any other contemporary sporting achievement of the nation. Six of our young aggressive boxers reached the finals in the Commonwealth Boxing Championships.
Sajim S.H.
Thiruvanathapuram
