Opinion Tripartite battles
The editorial Kolkata crises (IE,May 18) rightly pointed out the political shenanigans of the three main players the Left Front,the Congress and the Trinamool Congress at the expense of tackling the Maoist problem....
The editorial Kolkata crises (IE,May 18) rightly pointed out the political shenanigans of the three main players the Left Front,the Congress and the Trinamool Congress at the expense of tackling the Maoist problem. Theyre indulging in electoral duels and duets when the crying need is for stopping the state from slipping into anarchy. Everybody is resorting to opportunism and brinkmanship,with the sole aim to win by hook or by crook the 2011 assembly election. However,the way the law and order and economic conditions are deteriorating,winning the election will prove a Pyrrhic victory. The victor will only repent its selfishness at leisure.
Satwant Kaur
Mahilpur
Maoists,again
My only question is how many times I will have to write: My prayers and thoughts are with the families of these policemen and civilians killed? (Dantewada again: Naxalites kill at least 35,IE,May 18). The way Maoists again committed a barbaric act raises the question as to how the Maoists claim to fight for the poor people. Why would Naxalites blow up a bus carrying civilians to earn sympathy or to create panic? To end the Maoist menace,both the Union and state governments should call Naxalites for talks and ensure the well-being of the poor. If Maoists are not ready for dialogue,then action should be taken to end the troubles permanently.
Bidyut K. Chatterjee
Faridabad
End of caste?
Yogendra Yadav gives us a true social science perspective on the contentious issue of caste-based enumeration in the census (Caste in doubt,IE May 17). The pattern in views expressed by various columnists and experts is discernible. While liberals have opposed it tooth and nail,self-professed OBC champions have passionately supported it on the ground of caste being a reality and therefore such an exercise being an indispensable component of affirmative action. I agree with Yadav that caste is an inalienable part of the Indian social order,and hence must be accepted with courage. But we should not be afraid of its imagined and perceived repercussions as a consequence of the census. This census may wake us up to the fact that caste-based affirmative action has not borne the desired results because the benefits have been usurped by a privileged few. As such this may mark the beginning of the end of caste-based politics.
Niharika Rai
New Delhi
Party & government
Indiscipline and lack of cohesion in the Congress party and the government stem more from the indulgent attitude adopted conveniently by those at the helm (The difference a year makes,IE,May 17). Otherwise Mani Shankar Aiyar and Digvijay Singh wouldnt dare to go against the stated policy of the government. Theyll immediately fall in line if theyre shown their place,let alone the door,by the party leadership.
Tarsem Singh
New Delhi
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