Opinion Too much,too late
DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa have entered into a competition.
Too much,too late
* DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa have entered into a competition in promising freebies to voters if they are voted to power in the assembly elections (Promises,promises,IE,March 25). Its one thing for Jayalalithaa to make promises to come to power. But what prevented Karunanidhi from providing such freebies when he has been in power? The promise is nothing but a channel of corruption to entice voters. Its unfortunate that both the main political parties of Tamil Nadu have nothing to offer,such as electricity and water at concessional rates,new roads or improvement of existing ones,reduction of indirect taxes and healthcare for all. Political parties conveniently forget that they owe their services to every section of society.
K.V. Seetharamaih,Hassan
* I agree with the editorial Promises,promises (IE,March 25) that instead of finding a permanent solution to the problems and needs of people through implementation of required policies and programmes,they are being demeaned by being promised sops before elections. Almost all parties are in this despicable business. The politics of keeping people in perpetual penury,to condition them to accept freebies for their votes,amounts to the worst kind of dehumanisation and blackmail. It all the more flies in the face of true democracy. Instead of promising kitchen grinders and computers for grinding their own political axes,our leaders should solve basic problems of ordinary citizens on a permanent and durable basis.
Tarsem Singh,New Delhi
Waiting for Mohali
* Yuvraj Singh made the Aussies dance to his tune,giving India a well-deserved win (From Motera,he calls Mohali,IE,March 25). It was a win richly earned,after some great batting from Sachin Tendulkar,Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina gave the much needed support to
Yuvraj. It is Pakistans turn in Mohali next. That match,the final before the final,should be an entertainer. India have the edge with their depth in batting and Pakistans reputation for crumbling under pressure in important matches. India should utilise home conditions to their advantage; also,Yuvraj would be playing on his home ground.
S.N. Kabra,Mumbai
Hit & run
* One of the more popular sayings of the Chinese leader Mao Tse Tung was Political power flows from the barrel of a gun. In the 21st century,the interpretation of this by Western powers in the context of military interventions in Iraq,Afghanistan and now Libya seems to be that Democracy flows from the barrel of a gun. Military action continues in Libya,although they have no idea who will maintain it till a conclusion is reached. So it seems the action against Gaddafi is hit and run for which no one will finally take responsibility.
S. Kamat,Goa
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