Alarm bells for Congress

FIRST in Madhya Pradesh, and now in Rajasthan, Congress leaders seem unsatisfied with their party leadership. Both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi seem to be active more on Twitter than in public. Sachin Pilot’s defiance is another wake-up call for the party president after Jyotiraditya Scindia’s exit from the Congress. This shows there is something wrong with the party.

Ashwani Kumar, Chandigarh

Clamour for Rahul’s return

In reference to ‘Party MPs want Rahul Gandhi back at helm’ (July 12), the chorus for Rahul Gandhi to return as the Congress chief can be seen as ‘no other option’. The MPs have been vouching for Rahul Gandhi to take charge as the party is in dire need to strengthen its position. And apparently, there is no other leader who can revive the party, as he has constantly frowned upon the Modi government for its decision-making and silence on significant matters.

Maitri Bhardwaj, Patiala

No respect for voters

Politicians have no values or principles. No one cares for the citizens and the prevalent situation. They are not bothered about the pandemic, but about toppling the government. It was time for Ashok Gehlot to step aside. The main reason for the party losing has been arrogance of its senior leadership. There is no respect for voters left in this country.

Rahul Baghel, by mail

Don’t provoke China

Refer to the editorial ‘Walk the talk, China’ (July 13); China’s Ambassador Sun Weidong is right. It took decades to build goodwill between the two countries. What was then the trigger that made China adopt the present attitude? I think it is the utterance by our own Home Minister in Parliament that we will get back not only Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK, but also Aksai Chin. Perhaps that is why China took up a defensive position in the area. This may be the reason why they opposed the construction of a bridge over the Galwan river. Our leaders should refrain from making statements that can cause bitterness in relations.

Saroj Kumar Patial, Bilaspur

Demeaning Mahabharata

Apropos of ‘Kurukshetra ex-MP calls Mahabharata fictional, Brahmins fume’ (July 11), questioning any belief system is practical but the public platform Saini chose to criticise the Mahabharata is inappropriate. Fictitious or not, its sub-text Bhagavad Gita has always been a guiding light. The unparalleled lessons of selfless action and love it teaches is actually worth acquiring. The unchallenged ideas of the Gita open ways before us when every door seems closed. The path shown in it never inspires anyone to indulge in false religious practices but delivers a clear message to enjoy life, being practically sound and morally upright. RW Emerson, renowned American poet and philosopher, believed that there was no dilemma in the world whose solution the Gita didn’t offer. The ex-MP should have selected some other ways to debate the issue. His act of playing with the sentiments of the masses can’t be endorsed.

Kapil Sharma, Kaithal

Software for transfers

Refer to the news regarding the software for teachers’ transfer in HP; the move is discriminatory in nature. Online transfers should be applicable to all state government employees. The state’s topography varies from other states in the plains. The online system shall transfer a teacher on points basis and a serving couple will score more. Moreover, teachers belonging to Hamirpur and Una would be most affected due to lack of tough terrain and get less points. If employees of other departments can serve at nearby stations, why not the teachers? Why are only school teachers being targeted?

Tarun Sharma, Hamirpur

Private hospital fee

Private hospitals are charging heavily for Covid treatment. The government should issue guidelines to these hospitals regarding treatment charges. In government hospitals, there is no proper care and sanitation. Washrooms have to be shared and the food is unhygienic. There should be a cap on the fee charged by private hospitals. Moreover, the government must take strict action against hospitals that have shut their door to Covid patients.

Kamaljeet Malwa, Patiala

Unclean ponds

Refer to ‘Ponds not cleaned for years, villagers bear the brunt’ (July 12); during this pandemic, when we are talking about cleanliness and taking precautions to beat the virus, in the rural areas of Bathinda, ponds have not been cleaned for years. This negligence has not only ruined natural water bodies which could be used for farming and other productive purposes, but also threatens the lives of residents. This is an important health and environmental concern which needs to be taken up seriously.

Sugandha jain, by mail

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