Tamil Nadu politics
Refer to Harish Khare’s article ‘Qaidi Number 9234’ (Statecraft, February 17), the murky politics witnessed recently in Tamil Nadu has been put in a perspective. The Governor showed maturity not to swear in Sasikala ahead of the Supreme Court’s decision. It is clear that Sasikala, after Jayalalithaa’s demise, wanted to make the AIADMK some sort of a household affair to fulfil her personal and family self-aggrandisement. Before going to jail, she selected Palaniswami to be the next CM. Because Panneerselvam rebelled against her, he has been branded a traitor. It is still uncertain whether Palaniswami will win the vote of confidence, and assuming he does, the good days of the party may have come to an end. The public, by and large, is now against any Jaya aura. Why only Tamil Nadu, a similar ‘personality’ scene is visible in other states too. The hold of families and powerful individuals over party affairs is making politics repugnant and emasculating the very spirit of democracy. The need is to ignore such people whose only aim is to enrich themselves, and doing nothing for society and the country. No concessions should be given to accused like Sasikala.
PARTHASARATHY SEN, New Delhi
Army Chief’s warning
Refer to the February 16 news report of the Army Chief warning of harsh action against local people. At last, an Army Chief has spoken like the head of a family to protect his wards from mischief-makers. If local youngsters, instigated by separatist leaders, form a human wall and start throwing stones at the security forces to protect militants, stern action should be taken. All those displaying Pakistan and IS flags do not deserve to be handled with kid gloves. They should be treated as anti-nationals. The casualties of our soldiers are mounting due to these wayward elements. Since our armed forces are apolitical and do not indulge in politics, some politicians who rush to speak in support of misguided Kashmiri youth need to be warned not to interfere in the operations of the forces just for some brownie points.
LJS Panesar, Amritsar
PC comment
The supreme sacrifice by Maj Satish Dahiya and three jawans in J&K has gone in vain as the petty politician in Mr P Chidambaram got the better of him. Instead of showing solidarity with the Army Chief, who warned local youth against supporting militants, Mr Chidambaram criticised the statement as ‘intemperate’ on a television channel. Mr Chidambaram, who has occupied numerous responsible positions in the Government of India, has made himself an object of ridicule in the eyes of the citizens of India. Mr Chidambaram, you have every right to fight a political battle against the Modi dispensation, but please don’t drag our security forces in your game of political one-upmanship.
Prem Singh Navet, Karnal
A tribute
The Tribune did well to publish the pictures of the three jawans who were martyred in Srinagar, on its front page. To dedicate one’s life to the country is not a piece of cake. These soliders must be appreciated for their bravery. We should all pray for them from the bottom of our hearts. That would be our tribute. It is the cause, not death, that makes a martyr. They are the country’s pride.
GAURI KALRA, Ambala
Wrong models
The news report ‘SC: Sasikala is guilty, 4-yr jail’ (February 15) has refreshed my memory of an advice frequently given by my grandfather through a Punjabi proverb. It meant that criminals should not be made role models on the basis of their luxurious life, social dominance, and political power enjoyed by them. Rather they should be looked down upon. Parents and grandparents must spend time with their children and inculcate such values in them.
Sarjit Singh Gill, Ludhiana
Idea of nationalism
Apropos ‘Reimagining nationalism’ (February 15), a nation cannot be great by the imposition of xenophobic ideas. ‘Politics of opposition’ by various pressure groups like students, academicians and intellectuals is vital. The Independence struggle united different regions into one nation and the legacy of India as a nation may be derived from it. But this struggle was not the response of a political force. The united struggle of the people of India made it possible. Educational institutions like JNU, Jadavpur University and FTII-Pune have resisted destructive ideology and paved the way for political stakeholders to respond in the right manner. This struggle should continue even in the face of the state’s opposition and jingoist nationalists, for the survival of the mainstream idea of nationalism.
Jaskaran Singh Gill, Phagwara
Not quite a sportsman
Refer to ‘Beat India, become hero’ (February 15), the clarion call given by Australian skipper Steve Smith to his teammates is worth taking note of. His next statement unfolds his game plan, ‘If they (his teammates) want to get into verbal battle (with Indian team), if it gets out the best out of them, then go for it’. The skipper has decided to discard the age-old ethos of the game in order to win by hook or by crook. Cricket is known as the gentlemen’s game. But there is no gentlemanliness in his posturing. The Indian side, therefore, needs to be ready to confront a foul-mouthed rowdy bunch of players. A cricketer needs mental poise and concentration, and the Australians seem determined to disturbing them. The manager of the Australian team ought to clarify such statements well before the series commences. The umpires too need to take note of it.
Neeraj Kishore Sharma, Sundernagar
Compassion for horses
A horse hit by a car in Noida is in a critical condition. It is rather sad to see the level of care and compassion. A dog, they say, is a man’s best friend, but horse and man wrote history together! Horse has served us since times immemorial. We owe it to this wonderful being our compassion. Our family owns a horsey buggy, and it was in Chandigarh not so long ago. It was pathetic to see motorists treat the horses like mere machines. Horns, driving close to them and other such irresponsible moves forced us to send them back to the farm! While studying at the University of Kent, Canterbury, I was taking driving lessons to pass the test. Driving towards Chestfield, we came up to a group of horse-riders. I slowed down. My instructor, Richard, asked me to come to a complete stop gently and turn the ignition off. The riders gestured holding the helmet and bowed their heads to thank us. After the horses were gone a few yards, we resumed. ‘It is because of the horse that we learnt to drive in the first place,’ said Richard!
Sartaj Chaudhary, Chandigarh
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