AAP’s waning fortunes

With reference to ‘Cracks in AAP’; the editorial lays bare the deepening cracks within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), underscored by Kailash Gahlot’s resignation ahead of the Delhi polls. The resignation of leaders like Rajendra Gautam and sidelining of veterans reveals a leadership failure. In Punjab, AAP’s sheen has dulled due to agrarian woes, the drug menace and Delhi-centric factionalism. Its rise stemmed from voters’ disgust with the SAD-Congress misrule, but the misuse of Central agencies by the BJP has further sullied its image. To survive, AAP must revive its founding ideals of transparency, service and trust, lest it lose its hard-won relevance.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Party must show a united front

Refer to ‘Cracks in AAP’; Kailash Gahlot’s resignation from AAP signals a deeper rift in the party. He is the second minister to resign after Raaj Kumar Anand. He may have been dissatisfied with the portfolio allocation or Atishi’s promotion. The party has been involved in one controversy or the other in recent times. If Arvind Kejriwal cannot retain senior leaders like Gahlot in the party, it is not a good sign for AAP — which will face voters in a few months. The AAP must present a united front at any cost if it wants to get re-elected.

Bal Govind, Noida

Poll outcome hard to predict

Apropos of ‘Maharashtra clash’; the Assembly elections are a neck-and-neck fight between the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Neither of the two alliances are sure of their victory, even as voters are well aware of the performance of both coalitions. These polls cannot be called democratic; they are a blot on democracy as unethical ways are being adopted to grab power. Maharashtra is reeling under a heavy debt, but the parties — unmindful of the poor financial health — are making announcements liberally. The culture of subsidies, doles and freebies is draining the coffers, but who bothers?

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Need investments in infrastructure

Refer to ‘India’s EV push needs a subsidy fillip’; the EV transition is integral to achieving climate goals, economic growth and energy security. Subsidies remain a vital tool to accelerate this shift, particularly in its early stages. However, these must be complemented by investments in infrastructure, local manufacturing and public awareness campaigns to address key barriers such as limited charging networks and high battery costs. A well-calibrated subsidy strategy and a broader policy framework can bridge these gaps. Such an approach should focus on supporting the production of affordable EV models, promoting domestic manufacturing of batteries and encouraging private sector participation in the development of charging infrastructure.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

ECI must set its house in order

With reference to ‘Poll panel not powerless despite claims’; the Constitution has conferred vast powers on the ECI so that it can conduct elections as per the law, resisting any undue pressure from the powers that be. It is disconcerting to learn that the ECI regards itself as helpless in curbing hate speech when it has been classified as a ‘corrupt electoral practice’. Freebies and false promises to voters are also treated as bribery and are strictly prohibited, but this rule is being violated with impunity. The poll panel needs to review its functioning to do away with the malpractices bedevilling the electoral process.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

AI has revolutionised treatment

Apropos of ‘Unlocking the potential of AI in diagnosis and treatment’; the integration of AI into healthcare has revolutionised diagnosis and treatment, albeit with mixed outcomes. While its precision is unmatched, even small errors can lead to irrevocable consequences. In India, AI-driven natural language processing is gaining traction, enabling seamless data analysis from doctor-patient interactions to enhance treatment protocols. In the US, the majority of the population distrusts AI due to its lack of empathy, whereas Germany leads Europe in advanced applications. India must prioritise AI investments, balancing innovation with risk mitigation.

Vijay Kumar Sharma, Panchkula