Modi’s rhetoric begins

Refer to ‘Modi dares Oppn on 370 reversal’ (October 14); elections are around the corner in Maharashtra and Haryana. Naturally, PM Modi’s ‘maximum rhetoric, minimum governance’ is in the forefront when he dares the Opposition to declare to bring back Article 370 in its manifesto. Is this Article relevant to Maharashtra and Haryana? Modi should own responsibility for the current scenario in the country, particularly, when the World Bank has cut India’s growth forecast from 7.5% to 6%. The Modi-Shah duo only rants about what the Congress could not do in 70 years. What has the Modi government done in 64 months? 

Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad

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Build trust 

Apropos the editorial ‘The Mamallapuram summit’ (October 14), it is an extremely important development that despite having boundary, trade and strategic differences, the two countries have agreed to enhance their trade and defence ties through informal summit. However, China still sees India in the prism of US interests whereas India feels reluctant to move with China because of its pro-Pakistan stance. Therefore, the two nations need to do further homework to strengthen their bilateral ties, so that they can come together as giants of economy.

Harvinder Singh Chugh, Jalandhar

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Can’t hope for much 

This refers to ‘The Mamallapuram summit’ (October 14). Due to enormous economic and strategic interest of China in Pakistan, it may not do much in the fields of defence, security and terror in India’s favour. So, the bottlenecks in these sectors will continue. Expansion of China’s trade in India is its primary priority. Our export to China is merely 25% as compared to our imports of 75%. This vast difference should be bridged in India’s favour. Some respectable balance can be achieved if our traders, businessmen, industrialists and entrepreneurs work towards this aim. Otherwise, much should not be expected from China. 

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi 

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RBI failure as watchdog 

The RBI has failed as a watchdog. There is something intrinsically amiss, if despite the monthly and yearly statutory statements, and the balance sheet in its possession, the RBI was unable to detect any wrongdoing at PMC Bank. It can be blamed for gross negligence, dereliction of duty, and unconscionable behaviour towards the depositors of the bank. The government should act against RBI officials responsible for monitoring the PMC bank’s functioning.

SC Dhall, Zirakpur

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Corridor of peace 

The ‘Passage to Kartarpur’ (October 13) is not only well written, but also informative. It covers the journey of the birth of an idea and how it grew and took a concrete shape. If despite hostility between the two countries, the project is still on schedule, it means victory of faith over doubt. Guru Nanak is bridging the gap between the two countries. War has never solved any problem. I hope the corridor will herald a new era of peace in the subcontinent. It will be a fitting tribute to the Guru. 

Arun Hastir, Gurdaspur

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Who remembers Shastri?

The birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri fell on October 2. No piece on the former PM appeared in The Tribune. Even a small photograph of this great son of India was not published. Only a homage notice of the Punjab Government, vowing to emulate his ideology of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ was there. Shastri was an intensely God-fearing and religious man, committed to noble ideals. Humility was his hallmark. Favouritism and nepotism were unknown to him. To him nothing was politically good, which was morally bad. Nehru specially despatched him to Srinagar to set at rest the turmoil caused by the theft of Moo-e-Muqaddis (sacred hair of the Prophet). The whole nation, particularly the Muslim fraternity, was all praise for him for successfully handling the ticklish affair. He would not stick to the ministerial gaddi against the voice of his conscience. Accepting moral responsibility for a train accident, he tendered his resignation as the railway minister.

Bhagwan  Singh, Qadian

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No mercy for Rajoana 

The decision to commute the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana defies logic. It is not in public interest. It is a short-sighted step, and will encourage unscrupulous elements and vested interests. It is gross injustice to the dependents of 17 persons who were killed in a matter of minutes. Rajoana, who did not plead guilty and did not show any repentance for such a heinous crime, does not deserve clemency. When many a veteran leader and administrator had thrown in the towel, it was Beant Singh, then CM, who caught the bull by the horns and succeeded in restoring law and order in Punjab. 

RK SHARMA, Kurukshetra

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