Art of impossibilities

Dilly-dallying, deliberate dalliance or deft design — put it in any way —proves the old adage that politics is an art of improbabilities and impossibilities. All the involved parties in Maharashtra, and most of all the media madaris, are eating their words and licking their wounded ego. Who can beat modern India’s Machiavelli, BJP chief Amit Shah?

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Why Pragya Thakur?

Reference to the editorial ‘Defending Pragya’ (November 23); the BJP government has taken an unjustifiable step by appointing Pragya to the parliamentary consultative committee on defence. She is still facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, and has also committed several criminal-like acts in the past, so why is she still being honoured by the BJP? People take notice of all such things, and it will further drown the already sinking boat of this party.

Vidwan Singh Soni, Patiala

Not guilty, yet

No one can be presumed guilty unless convicted by a court of law. Pragya was implicated in the Malegaon blast cases to buttress the then dispensation’s nefarious Hindu terror theory. The Tribune has always pleaded for upholding the rights of all. It is now pleading for the release of Farooq Abdullah, whose role in stoking militancy in J&K has been on record by no less a person than the then Governor, Jagmohan. Then why this hypocrisy in the case of Pragya, who was subjected to torture while in police custody? As long as she remains a member of the Lok Sabha, she is entitled to be a member of its committees.

Kastinder Johar, Palampur

Project right leaders

Appointing MP Pragya Thakur to a parliamentary consultative committee on defence is indefensible. Pragya’s line of thinking is divisive as she has not only insulted Mahatma Gandhi, but also Hemant Karkare, a senior anti-terror squad police officer martyred in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Certainly, the BJP is inching towards political suicide. Let the party think tank encourage its leaders who promote harmony rather than those who promote divisiveness.

BRIJ BHUSHAN GOYAL, LUDHIANA

Tackling police unrest

Police have the power to investigate crime, enforce laws and maintain law and order, but in India, ministers have the power of superintendence and control over the police (‘Rising police unrest bodes ill for nation’, November 22). Ministers use police forces for their personal use and political reasons. Polarised thinking of certain political parties in power is a big reason for riots in society. The police always remain under a state of unrest. To tackle this, regulated working hours for police personnel must be ensured. Promotion opportunities must factor in performance and misuse of power. Political interference in police should be limited.

Om Parkash Sandhu, Naya Nangal

More teeth for RBI

Apropos the article ‘Little hope for these banks’ (November 23), the present ills being faced by public sector banks are not due to the alleged interference of the political class alone, but the inept governance of the RBI, a toothless tiger. It is equally responsible for the mess, particularly the burgeoning volume of NPAs and frauds. The RBI has been assigned a multitasked role with minimum statutory powers to take legal corrective actions against errant public sector banks, except issuing casual warnings and penalties. The RBI needs to be vested with more legal power and stake in the board of directors in PSBs. It should adopt two-tier administration, similar to the Election Commission — one for policy implementation and the other for supervision and control. A two-Governor norm is the need of the hour.

Anil Vinayak, Amritsar

Look beyond paddy

The burning of crop residue and bursting of crackers on Dasehra and Diwali has made the quality of air very poor in northern states. Environmental pollution has various adverse health effects like respiratory disorders, allergy, cardiovascular disorders and increase in stress oxidative. The state governments has failed to implement laws. In Punjab, paddy is the main kharif cash crop, but its consumption in the state or in the country is negligible. Moreover, paddy sowing affects the ground water level and electricity consumption. In Punjab, the idea of PAU, Ludhiana, to use Happy Seeder, using straw for fuel, sowing dwarf varieties, and alternative crops seems to have failed, as all need strict law and proper guidance.

Kamaljeet Malwa, Patiala

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com