A new dawn in Sri Lanka

Apropos of the editorial ‘Lankan mandate’; the outcome of Sri Lanka’s presidential election is of a piece with the global trend that has seen voters reject parties that have an old frame of mind. The electorate has had enough of leaders who fail to provide solutions to the everyday difficulties that the masses face. As the President, Ranil Wickremesinghe turned to the IMF in a bid to tide over the extraordinary economic crisis in the country. But the fact is that most Sri Lankans were better off in 2022 than they are now. The tax burden on the middle class must be eased. Adopting a people-centric approach on the economy is the need of the hour.

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Abhijit Roy, Jamshedpur

Scrapping subsidies is pragmatic

Refer to ‘Balancing the books’; state governments generally do not have too many options to earn revenue. Hence, withdrawing power subsidies to large industries is a pragmatic move on the part of the Himachal Pradesh government. Even the withdrawal of subsidies for domestic consumption is not a drastic step that can adversely impact people. Besides, the state government must focus on boosting tourism, which is a key source of revenue for the hill state. The state authorities should take steps that can enhance the experience of tourists, both domestic and foreign. Further, the state government can attract investments by creating more opportunities for industrialists to grow their businesses.

Bal Govind, Noida

‘One nation, one poll’ not feasible

Apropos of the article ‘One nation, one poll faces trust deficit’; the Union Government’s decision to accept the Kovind Committee recommendations on holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies and that of local bodies within 100 days from then is fraught with several challenges. Since the proposal involves making the term of state Assemblies coterminous with that of Parliament, will it not in a way diminish the status of the Vidhan Sabha? Moreover, even if the panel’s recommendations are accepted, how would it be ensured that polls are held only once every five years? It is better to leave the issue open for debate by academics, legal luminaries, political parties and other stakeholders.

Raj Kumar Goyal, Patiala

Uphold the rule of law

Refer to the article ‘Don’t let the State trample over the law of the land’; the author has brilliantly presented ‘bulldozer justice’ as the unconstitutional overreach of power — which it is — that has left an indelible scar on our nation’s conscience. Such discriminatory, high-handed steps — which run counter to the notion of due process — undermine the very foundation of our democracy and blatantly violate the principles enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution. The judiciary’s intervention, although belated, is a much-needed response to restore the sanctity of constitutional governance. The government must abandon retributive justice and demonstrate accountability, lest it should erode public trust. Citizens deserve a State that respects their dignity, not one that shamefully tramples on it.

Harbinder Singh Dhillon, Una

Farmers get a raw deal

Farmers under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha recently held a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' in Pipli, urging people to defeat the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls. The farm leaders have also decided to hold a 'rail roko' protest next month to push for their demands. The growers’ demand for a legal guarantee of MSP is vital for their survival. The failure of the government to address their demands or act on critical agricultural reforms highlights its indifference to the growers' concerns. It is time for the powers that be to take steps to ease the agrarian distress.

Bikram Singh, Patiala

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