Opinion Step in
The notion that a state or region especially belongs to its main linguistic group while the rest are outsiders is inimical not only to national integration but also to the economy....
The notion that a state or region especially belongs to its main linguistic group while the rest are outsiders is inimical not only to national integration but also to the economy (The clash within,IE,February 2). The smear campaign led by a political party in Maharashtra is nothing but a revival of the hate movement. This campaign against north Indians appeal to the extreme regional chauvinism. The late responses from the home minister and Rahul Gandhi are welcome,but they are no substitute for credible and long-term measures. The Congress in government,in the state and at the Centre,must do more than just issue statements.
Deepesh Narain
New Delhi
Feeding jingoism?
This refers to Uddhav raises pitch: Rahul has insulted 26/11 martyrs (IE,February 3). While Rahul Gandhis anguish and anger over the parochialism of the Shiv Sena and MNS is understandable,he should have been a little more circumspect in his remarks about the 26/11 carnage. Had he said that the commandos comprising people from all states of the country had defended Mumbai,he would have sounded like a true nationalist. But focusing on Bihar and UP will only act as further ammunition for the Senas chauvinism.
Raji Mani
Mumbai
Not fair enough
The article Nobody retires in UPA (IE,February 2) will make many talented young aspirants envy the lot of retired bureaucrats still on government rolls,enjoying perks and power. Theres no doubt that civil services personnel have earned resounding experience in various fields. But then its an injustice to equally competent non-IAS,non-IFS officers to not give them responsible posts after retirement.
K.L. Khandekar
Vadodara
Family matters
The Amar-Mulayam spat has received much media attention over the past month and the ultimate expulsion of Amar Singh was the final episode of the sordid saga. Both sides have traded charges and counter-charges,with neither side willing to back down. So the name-calling and mutual accusations will continue. While no one holds any brief for either side of the dispute,the entire episode has an underlying tenor that the mainstream media has overlooked.
By removing Amar Singh,Mulayam Singh has confirmed the trend towards political parties becoming private,family affairs. Any outsider,even as resourceful as Amar Singh,will fail to find the highest reaches of a partys organisational hierarchy as,increasingly,leaders of political parties promote their children and relatives. It happens across the political spectrum. The notable exclusions have been,of course,the Left and the BJP; but,there too,a pattern of hierarchical democratic succession has been witnessed.
Karan Thakur
New Delhi
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