Opinion Unfortunate events
Infighting within the BJP has severely damaged the image of the party,one wonders whether it is in fact hegemonic and regressive in practice.
• Infighting within the BJP has severely damaged the image of the party,one wonders whether it is in fact hegemonic and regressive in practice. Looking at those who have walked out or been asked to leave it becomes evident that soon there may be intellectual bankruptcy within the party itself,surely Yashwant Sinha,Jaswant Singh,Sudheendra Kulkarni and Arun Shourie contributed to rigorous debate which is deemed healthy for any organisation. These changes usher in a sad moment for Indian democracy. Thus the question: can a democracy exist without a credible opposition?
Rishibha Gupta
Revive,reform
• The utter chaos,which is now prevalent in the BJP,is saddening to many,as it impinges upon the hopes and aspirations of a multi-party system that is crucial to a mature democracy. The BJP was once famous for its well-knit organisation,discipline,dedication and its rejection of dynastic politics. However,now it appears to resemble a party of despots desperate trying to stifle dissent. Its time the BJP took stock of current criticism and ensured itself a future by proving it can serve as a credible opposition.
V. Venkatasubramanian
Careful,SP
• It has been reported that the general secretary of the Samajwadi Party,Amar Singh,has invited expelled BJP stalwart Jaswant Singh to join his party. Whether or not this happens,or how far it progresses,Amar Singh needs to clarify or even better spell out his partys stand on M.A. Jinnah as this seems to be the root of the current controversy.
Arun Malankar
Mumbai
Imminent danger
• Does India lack a sense of intellectual security? Why does our popular discourse still need to demonise Pakistani leaders? Gujarats ban on Jaswant Singhs book weakened us democratically. If the BJP is bent on suicide,who will provide a viable opposition to the Congress in the 15th Lok Sabha? An unchallenged executive is dangerous for a democracy.
Siddharth Bhattacharya
Delhi
Spell it out
• There seems to be growing confusion over the disclosure of judges assets. Given that this debate has unfolded in public and that there has been an increased number of judges perfectly willing to disclose their assets,the government should start the process. It should reintroduce the Judges Assets Bills in Parliament. This will be beneficial to the self-esteem of the country as the judiciary is one of the very few institutions which has continued to uphold its stature.
Deepak Chikramane
Mumbai
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