II

The poisonous speech of Mr Varun Gandhi at Pilibhit targeting the minority community showed the frustration of the BJP. He first refuted charges that his speech had been distorted and then created high drama at the time of arrest, causing damage to public property.

He should have tendered an unconditional apology to the minority community. A stitch in time saves nine. Now, he is booked under the NSA. He should mind his language. Otherwise, his political career will be over before it begins.

KULBHUSHAN KANWAR, Gangtok

Deterrent punishment

Gone are the days when Himachal Pradesh (editorial, “When men are cruel – Even saviours turn rapists”, March 23) was considered a peaceful and non-violent state. This is because the laws are lax and move at a snail’s pace. The police is irresponsible and does not take its duty seriously. Perhaps, capital punishment alone can serve as a deterrent and help check the heinous crime of rape.

SUBER SINGH PARIHAR, Khas Narwana, Kangra

  Code of conduct

The well-intended code of conduct which prohibits political parties in power, both at the Centre and in the states, from initiating populist steps in the run-up to the elections, needs to be re-visited. In my view, a large number of problems of the people are resolved only during the pre-election period. Once the elections are over, the people’s representatives are seldom visible. Would the media consider debating the issue and help in reviewing the policy of imposition of the code of conduct?

LT-Col BACHITTAR SINGH, SAS Nagar

Death on roads

Captain Kanwaljit Singh’s death in a road accident is a sad event. However, this should wake up traffic-law enforcing agencies from their slumber. Why can’t specified speed limits be enforced stringently? Even the ill-fated car of the minister reportedly was on a high speed.

First-aid facilities should be made available on our highways. An already overloaded PGI always seems to be the only hope after every such happening in this region. The roadworthiness of vehicles, particularly trucks, should be regularly checked. In a country where human life has no value, perhaps, I am asking for the moon.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

II

The death of Captain Kanwaljit Singh is a great loss to Punjab. An admirable politician became a victim of rash driving. This loss of life has sent a shock wave in the region. The Akali Dal has received an acute blow at this critical juncture. Captain Kanwaljit will always be remembered as a gentleman player in the game of politics.

JASLEEN SINGH, Bangi Kalan, Bathinda

Valuable tips

In India, the politicians have turned politics into a lucrative family business which they pass on to their heirs. They are all birds of the same flock. Voters are always cheated and the party manifestos are never implemented. A voter has a tough task of choosing the best among the worst. The Tribune campaign “Your vote matters” is invaluable and timely. I am sure these golden tips will serve as a useful guide for every voter at the time of voting.

HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt

Two-party system

The time has come when we should wake up and vote for a candidate with a clean image. The impending political instability may hamper development. Past experience has shown that regional parties have not played a constructive role, rather they have time and again brought the nation on the brink of disintegration. We too should adopt a two-party system. The countries with a similar system have done well.

 KULBIR SINGH CHADHA, Rajpura