Opinion Question of choice

The various possible combinations of the terms of his analysis are also interesting.

The Indian Express

March 7, 2013 03:09 AM IST First published on: Mar 7, 2013 at 03:09 AM IST

Question of choice

Shekhar Guptas Still Mandal,still Mandir (National Interest,IE,March 2) was a very interesting analysis of Indian politics. The various possible combinations of the terms of his analysis are also interesting. Could a Narendra Modi push reforms,anti-corruption and gender equality (it remains to be seen if the latter is a new factor or more of the middle-class reform agenda) and downplay Hindutva to win the general elections? Or can a Nitish Kumar,possibly in combination with the UPA,push Mandal and NREGA,along with anti-corruption and gender,and downplay market reforms to win? Can a novel ideology emerge from combina- tions (parallel to the political combinations,in a way,though not correlative)? If so,I know what I would like,but what would win?

Prasenjit Duara

Singapore

THIS refers to Still,Mandal,still Mandir. I wonder if the urban middle class,tired of corruption and the lack of governance,wanting more and more,can get out of the Mandir-Mandal binary and vote together as a block in future. The problem is that although there is a programme to oppose what is happening today,there is no bright idea yet for alternatives. Without that,the middle class programme may never be consolidated.

Ashok Jhunjhunwala

Chennai

Three cheers

FULL marks to M.S. Dhoni for both his batting and his captaincy,which helped Team India achieve two emphatic victories against Australia (MS Dhoni regains Midas touch,Michael Clarke gropes for grip,IE,March 6). The Australians are now in the same position that India was reduced to after being trounced by England in the earlier Test series. If India can continue this performance in the next two Tests,it could help build powerful combinations to face the pacers in South Africa later this year.

S. Rajagopalan

Chennai

Dark democracy

THE editorial Raj of Raja (IE,March 6) rightly says that the bahubali phenomenon is an affront to democracy. Sadly,it is a reality in contemporary politics. Using money and muscle,bahubalis get elected,and parties reward them with ministerial berths. Meanwhile,the Election Commissions proposal for reforms is gathering dust. Politicians seem reluctant to pass laws that bar the entry of those with criminal records into politics.

M.C.Joshi

Lucknow

RAJA BHAIYYA has been jailed on various charges. It is a wonder that he has still been elected as the peoples representative for five consecutive terms. Across UP,bahubalis win elections by muscle power and distributing largesse. In poverty-stricken UP,people are vulnerable to this brand of politics. The state government must make every effort to improve living conditions by providing jobs and civic amenities. Only then will people enjoy the fruits of democracy.

R.K. Kapoor

Chandigarh