The Bharat narrative

Refer to ‘Bharat votes India out’ (May 24), the fact that the Hindi heartland voted wholeheartedly for the BJP lays bare a rising undercurrent of well-blended provincial religionism (Hinduvad) and ultra-nationalism. The Modi-Shah duo, well backed by the RSS, were first able to disconnect the masses from the stale narratives of secularism and then to inject, region-wise, a wisely formed consciousness hinging on Hindutva, Rashtravad, anti-terrorism, national security, anti-corruption and anti-elite narratives. The mesmerised masses felt cathartic in the game of multifaceted polarisation. The disorganised Congress or the caste-bound SP-BSP alliance or the so-called secular mahagathbandhan, all hoping to cash in on anti-incumbency, got miserably crushed under Modi’s might and his new formula of Bharat.

Abhimanyu Malik, Jind

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Verdict for stability  

Finally and fortunately, we will be having a stable government for another five-year spell, an opportunity we, the people of India, deprived ourselves of for so many years earlier. Nevertheless, the verdict underlines the pan-lndia recognition of the previous dispensation with further broadening of its representative base to more pockets of the country. And so, one hopes that the trend of ‘no scams/scandals’ would continue; the safety of women, the welfare of the elderly, interests of the farmers, work opportunities for the youth would continue to be considered, albeit more proactively, at the highest levels and many more social as well as economic reforms will be initiated not for a particular caste, creed, religion, region, gender etc., but for all.

KK Sood, Nangal

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Strengthen armed forces 

Refer to the editorial ‘Shunned, stunned’ (May 24), Modi has won again mainly because he was seen as a strong PM by the nation, and there was no suitable alternative. And this strong image owes a lot to the armed forces who hit back at Pakistan by bombing terrorist camps. Now, the PM must repay the armed forces by strengthening them. It involves three main areas. First, increase the defence budget to at least 3 per cent of the GDP and make up the deficiency in arms, ammunition, and equipment. Two, restore the status of officers vis-a-vis their counterparts in the bureaucracy. Three, involve senior defence officers in decision-making in the Ministry of Defence. While doing so, leave the armed forces out of politics, and do not use a soldier for votes. Let this fine secular organisation run as per its service ethos and time-tested traditions. 

Col RD Singh (retd), Ambala Cantt

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Opposition’s role 

Apropos the editorial ‘Shunned, stunned’ (May 24), the Opposition parties failed to forge an alliance and could not decide on the prime ministerial candidate. This sent out a negative message to the voters. The Grand Old Party should look beyond Rahul Gandhi. Negativism and obstructive policies must be driven out. The Opposition parties should honestly render constructive support and cooperate with the government for the nation’s growth. Thus, they may retrieve some lost ground. Politicians should not forget that basically they are public servants. 

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

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Rahul at crossroads 

Apropos ‘To stay in the reckoning, Rahul has a lot to do’ (May 24), there is no denying the fact that Rahul Gandhi needs to engage in a great deal of disinterested soul-searching regarding the Congress’ shortcomings that led to its dismal show in the Lok Sabha polls. Rahul must understand that vituperative outbursts like ‘chowkidar chor hai’ can prove counterproductive and hurt people deeply, resulting in even greater popularity of the leader at whom these are directed. Forming an alliance with honest parties willing to render selfless service to the needy can also help to save the sinking ship. 

Vimal Sethi, Kapurthala

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Let’s bond with nature 

The middle ‘Ode to a summer songstress’ is a pictorial and melodious presentation of the bounties of nature. To a lover of nature like me, the sound of the cuckoo is associated with sweet memories of childhood. It is a sad fact that today we are so lost in materialistic pursuits that we have disconnected ourselves from this beauty of nature. There is a dire need to revive this communion with nature which can have a refreshing and soothing impact on our tired senses. 

Sumita Kanwar, Yamunanagar

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