Opinion Old news
A seasoned observer of international affairs would not be surprised over Pakistans misuse of weaponry....
• A seasoned observer of international affairs would not be surprised over Pakistans misuse of weaponry. Nor is this the first instance of the US being duped by Pakistan. During the Soviet presence in Afghanistan,Pakistan hoodwinked America into believing that it was in dire need of submarine-launched missiles to fight the imminent threat posed by the Soviets. Did the US forget then that Afghanistan was a landlocked country?
Arun Malankar
Shadow of death
• The tragic death of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy is a big loss for India (Lost,found,lost,IE,September 4). He was a dynamic politician and a very capable chief minister. He was a man constantly on the move,determined,charismatic and convincing. He used his political skills and good governance to preclude any revolt against him within the party. It will indeed be very difficult to fill the void left by his untimely death. In Indian politics today,very few match his stature and leadership.
Vinod C. Dixit
Complete politician
• This refers to the balanced editorial He got it done (IE,September 4). Coming as I do from Andhra,I feel credit for YSRs success should be given to his 2003 padayatra. That effort of personal labour gained him insight into Andhras rural hinterland and popularity. While in power he gave dignity to the poor and to marginalised women. These two sections made up most of his mourners,grateful for foodgrains at an affordable price and employment in the many projects. YSR believed power is what power does,and accordingly settled scores with enemies and helped friends. He wasnt above controversy. But,with numbers on his side,YSR could brush aside the oppositions allegations. Indeed,he was a complete politician.
M.K.D. Prasada Rao
Ghaziabad
The inheritor
• With YSRs death,a vacuum has been created in Andhra politics. One can safely predict the scramble for power in the state Congress; in fact,the clamour for nominating YSRs son is mark of that struggle. With hindsight,the party high command is most likely to select either the son or the wife as YSRs successor to cash in on the public sympathy. That,however,would be a grievously injudicious decision. Merit and not feudalism should determine the choice of YSRs successor.
V. Rajalakshmi
Mumbai
Not real work
• Brinda Karats Rejigging NREGA… (IE,September 3) suggests a time-rated system. NREGS is expected to generate employment,which means exchange of work for money. Karat appears to take it for granted that time spent in the working area will automatically result in output. But its a wrong notion,as proved by government organisations. Merely spending time at ones desk doesnt mean work. Karat will do well to remember that the government is spending tax-payers money.
Siddhartha Mukherji
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