Opinion Treating Namonia

* MODI’S elevation in the BJP could possibly backfire as stalwarts of the party remained absent from the Goa meeting,and key NDA constituents seem uneasy with this move. Modi’s Hindutva and communal politics could backfire when it comes to the general elections,which need a secular leader in order to cultivate mass appeal. Currently,he is not even welcome in many countries,including the US,which denies him a visa to enter.

—S.N. Kabra Mumbai

Swan song

* THIS refers to ‘Why resign’ (IE,June 11). Advani’s intransigence in resigning from all his posts in the BJP,in retaliation for being sidelined by the party only shows that he is living in a fantasy world in which his writ still runs large among the party hierarchy. By refusing to acknowledge the groundswell of opinion among the rank and file of the party,which wants Narendra Modi to lead them in the 2014 elections,he is also refusing to recognise that the baton of leadership of the party needs to be passed on to the younger generation now.

—S. Venkataraman Mumbai

Being neighbourly

* THIS refers to ‘Discomforts with China’ by Aditya Puri (IE,June 10). I agree that India should improve its investment environment and take advantage of China’s changed economic stance. China’s troubles with the US over the hacking issue are unfortunate and still unproven. It probably is not wise for India to antagonise China over this issue.

—Sunil K. Choudhary Mumbai

King of clay

* NADAL achieved his eighth French Open title by defeating Ferrer (‘Major force’,IE,June 10). Federer losing to Tsonga was a blessing in disguise for him. Nadal was out of action for a while due to an injury but is now back with a vengeance,and has won almost all clay court championships. His winning eight straight French Open titles is unprecedented. Nadal is a hero not only in his home country,Spain,but all over the world after his consummate performance on clay.

—Maniam Ramani Mumbai