II

Mr Dua has expressed the feelings of a billion people, who have given another term to Dr Manmohan Singh to govern and steer the country to achieve new goals and finish his unfinished agenda. The people of India have rejected parties which were out of touch with reality and given another chance to Dr Singh. It is the ‘M’ factor which has been instrumental in increasing the number of seats for the Congress-led UPA.

Dr Singh can very easily execute his agenda of peace, progress and stability without any fear from smaller parties who had earlier threatened to bring down his government on the nuclear deal issue. Dr Singh should take steps to increase the growth rate. At the same time, the needs of the aam admi should be kept in mind. Indeed, Dr Singh’s hands will be freer this time and he can go in for bold policies.

 MUKAND LAL KAUSHIK, Chandigarh.

In driver’s seat

Strong emergence of the UPA after the 2009 elections, (editorial, “Manmohan Singh’s A Team”, May 23) has reduced its dependence on regional parties. Selection of A team shows that the PM is in the driver’s seat. 

The DMK leaders may have shown their annoyance by not attending the swearing- in-ceremony but seem to have come around. The DMK being a pre-poll partner must get its due share in the Cabinet. But it must be remembered that allotment of ministries is the prerogative of the PM who must keep tainted politicians away.

 WG-CDR J S BHALLA, (retd ), Chandigarh

Appeal for peace

The Human Touch Association, Ludhiana, appeals to all citizens of Punjab not to resort to violence. Violent incidents only perpetuate miseries of the poor and the daily wage earners. Bandhs and curfews lead to the loss of daily earnings. Thoughtless and violent protests must stop. Punjab has already suffered enough during the terrorism days. Let the estranged communities vent their grievances but they must do so peacefully.

B B GOYAL, Ludhiana

English plus culture

Shelley Walia’s article “English+ cultural studies” (May 19) regarding the new nomenclature of the Department of English, Panjab University, is indeed in keeping with the changing times.

With newer ideas and concepts seeping into the body of knowledge, study of English has acquired greater importance. The relevance of both language and culture to English studies cannot be undermined.

HARPREET KAUR VOHRA, Ludhia

“Fairer” Lok Sabha

Compared to the previous Lok Sabhas, the 15th Lok Sabha has the highest number of women MPs. This augurs well in a male-dominated society. Presumably, awareness has dawned both on political parties and the voters about the potential of women candidates.

An ordinary citizen can now hope that the issues and concerns of women will now be better addressed. Crimes against women are on the rise. Both human-rights activists and the law have failed to address the problems concerning women. Justice continues to elude women, and many are forced to resort to desperate measures and commit suicide.