We revel in our own mediocrity so much that the moment someone,however remotely connected with India,does something good,we start the fireworks without realising what the fuss is all about. Nobel laureate V. Ramakrishnan is right when he says that the work is more important than the personality. It is time our politicians realised this and stopped the monumental waste of money over things like statues and used the money instead to educate needy children.
A. Banerjee
Leadership woes
The BJP leaderships internal bickering and over-ambitious nature have contributed to its failure in the elections (Losers burden,IE,October 23). Furthermore,the people want young,energetic and enthusiastic leaders with a realistic long term vision for India rather than politicians who squabble over issues such as Hindutva. Internal disagreements in the party are a reason why they have not be able to present a credible alternative to the UPA. It also seems as though the party has no tenable,convincing political agenda for the multifarious problems facing the common man.
Ved Guliani
Hisar
This refers to Winner takes all and Waiting for the credits to roll (IE,October 23). The consensus seems to be that Sharad Pawar is the loser in Maharashtra and that is emphatically right. Post-election,the loser will engage in deals and recruit deal-makers to emphasise his waning importance. But the tragedy is that between them,the Congress and the NCP may suffer as well as,in order to counter the SS-BJP leadership,they promoted an unfortunate character. As for the performance of the BJP it needs to take another look at its leadership.
Prasad Malladi
Nidadavole
The manner in which the BJP has been declining in importance and power is matter of great concern for our country. The victories of the UPA can be accredited more to the failure of the BJP rather than UPAs performance. Post-Vajpayee the party has been unable to hold on to power. Its poor performance as a responsible opposition,lack of clarity on key issues,confusion over policies,infighting and expulsions has naturally dented its image. The current leadership is weak; perhaps the BJP ought to introspect and handover the reins of the party to second generation leadership.
Raghubir Singh
Pune
Missing in action
The editorial Collision Course (IE,October 23) raises the very pertinent issue of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjees frequent absence. It appears as though she remains busier in her home state of West Bengal and has skipped vital Union Cabinet meetings concerning her own portfolio. It is possible the accident near Mathura is a result of negligence. The need of the hour is to divide the Railway Ministers portfolio amongst two ministers,one attending to administration and the other for opertions.
S.K. Gupta
