Opinion Regions rising
Manpreet Badal's Parties to democracy correctly points out that regional parties are gaining prominence at the national level largely
Regions rising
* MANPREET BADALS Parties to democracy (IE,July 5) correctly points out that regional parties are gaining prominence at the national level largely because the leadership of the national parties is impervious to the aspirations of their own regional leaders. This development could certainly lead to a more inclusive democracy. But some regional parties have undermined this trend by promoting their narrow agendas at the cost of national interests. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,for instance,has blocked legislation at the Centre on a number of occasions. Regional parties have to broaden their horizons if they want to be taken seriously at the national level.
Satwant Kaur Mahilpur
Neighbourly ties
* APROPOS The Great Game Folio (IE,July 4),the US and Pakistan prefer a love-hate relationship to completely severing ties. On any disagreement or clash of interests,they first take extreme positions. Eventually,when such positions become untenable,both sides soften and they come to a compromise. This game of one-upmanship could damage the interests of other stakeholders in the region. India,for one,should not be swayed by the USs mercurial behaviour when it comes to the subcontinent. We should follow a consistent policy,regardless of praise or blame.
Tarsem Singh
New Delhi
State of affairs
* PRATAP BHANU MEHTAS article Dire states (IE,July 4) is a realistic assessment of the economic and political condition of the states. Electricity distribution and power tariffs in the states are severely flawed. The handling of law and order in several states also leaves much to be desired. Reforms are badly needed in this area. In many states,governance remains feudal and authoritarian rather than democratic. The politics of intimidation is rampant. In education,the states have failed to build centres of excellence,particularly for higher studies. Candidates with high marks in their board exams are left with nowhere to go. In fact,the root cause of all the problems may be the lack of quality education in states.
Ved Guliani
Hisar
The bigger picture
APROPOS the editorial Not state by state (IE,June 5),while the water and power crises may need a consolidated national response,the states should be consulted on the planning and execution of all proposed schemes.Otherwise,the states might be sceptical of steps taken by the Centre to solve the problems. Another possible way to reduce the demand for resources in urban centres could be to ease the population pressure on them. This can only be done by creating job opportunities in rural areas. Educational hubs should also be created outside the metros.
M.K.Mahapatra Pune
Share
