L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Permissiveness prevails in politics

H K Dua in his front-page editorial, “Permissive times in the nation’s politics” (April 8), has aptly described the perplexing political scenario. Indeed, the forthcoming elections are an acid test for the people, who must vote with their eyes wide open. No single party is in a position of winning a majority.

As hung Parliament seems inevitable, the new Prime Minister would need to manoeuvre the alliances constantly. Guiding the country towards progress and prosperity would become an increasingly difficult proposition in the challenging times ahead.

I think the time has come where the country needs a revamp of the electoral system. Short-list the candidates on the basis of their track record and merit. The US system is a good example.

DR SANJIV GUPTA, Perth, Australia

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In an endeavour to bag more seats in Parliament, political parties are in no mood to deny tickets to hardened criminals, the corrupt and even anti-national elements. Our voters are not as informed as they should be in a democratic set-up so as to be able to vote for an honest, trustworthy and patriotic candidate from outside these parties.

The political situation is fluid and parties are trying to woo the voters with the promises that can never be fulfilled. The memory of the Indian voter is very short and they fall prey to loudmouth politicians who do not mind distributing poppy husk, liquor and drugs to garner votes. The coalition of parties may not be able to provide stable and clean governance to the biggest democracy of the world. The Tribune’s efforts to guide voters are praiseworthy and should be emulated by others.

COL KULDIP SINGH GREWAL (retd), Patiala

It is one life

The middle “We may not pass this way again” (March 28) by Trilochan Singh Trewn was soul-stirring. The devoted disciple of Gandhiji, late Miraben (Miss Mediliena Slade), was a true Gandhian. She aptly said, “I will pass through this world once. Any good thing that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being let me do it now. I shall not pass this way again.”

Even if the myth about 84 lakh forms of re-births is not true, the human form is the most precious and capable one. We must thank God for his kindness and be kind to all human beings, irrespective of their caste and creed. Rest assured, we will never pass this way again.

HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt

Tata’s wonder car

The much-awaited Tata’s Nano car has been formally launched. Many had disbelieved Mr Ratan Tata’s statement of making a Rs 1,00,000 car. But the inimitable Tatas have done it and made Indians proud. Let us hope that the wonder car proves worthy of its visionary’s idea. Nano is a miniature form of an automobile using the existing technology. The Tatas ought to improve upon the existing technology, as there is still scope for improving the thermal efficiency of the petrol engine.

ER L R SHARMA, Sundernagar

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Mr Ratan Tata has created a wonder car called Nano which is a common man’s dream come true. We should thank the Tatas who have outdone all vehicle manufacturers. Soon, Nano will be the most wanted car.

O P KOHLI, New Delhi

Terror in Pakistan

Whichever way one looks at it, the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Pakistan comprehensively proves that Islamabad is totally incapable of dealing with terrorist groups operating on its soil.

For the sake of regional and global security, it is time for nations like the US to abandon their soft line on Pakistan and force the country to act before it is too late.

For, unless concrete action is taken soon, Pakistan will become a mess beyond repair and more than a migraine.

  MEGHANA M, Bradford, UK

Hindutva will not help BJP Emotive issues like abrogation of Article 370, construction of Ram temple (editorial, “Back to Hindutva, softly”, April 6) and the uniform civil code are synonymous with the BJP. The party is clinging on to these divisive issues despite the fact that these have outlived their appeal for electoral gains and become anachronistic in the 21st century. One is tempted to ask the BJP as to how it will mobilise resources for sops that it intends to offer. The priority of the new government ought to be an economic turnaround and to keep terrorists at bay, not to indulge in populist promises for partisan ends. Even otherwise, the BJP’s manifesto has little to offer in real terms. The party should focus on the policies and programmes meant for the welfare and benefit of all. Hindutva will only prove to be a chimera. HEMA, Langeri, Hoshiarpur