Bankrupting PSPCL

Power incentives worth Rs 10,000 crore given by the Channi government in Punjab will definitely bankrupt PSPCL. At present, PSPCL is among the best power utilities in India. Such political sops on electricity, the most expensive kind of power, will ruin the department built in the last 40 years. This single decision of CM Channi will be responsible for killing PSPCL and will result in privatisation of power in the future. Making power free will decelerate Punjab like Venezuela.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

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Afghan link

Even though India has long historical, cultural and trade ties with Afghanistan, it is sad that it has been rendered a helpless spectator in the unfolding crisis in that country. The aim of the Regional Dialogue on Afghanistan was to reclaim relevance. Have we been successful in achieving that? We may have, to some extent, on issues like terrorism, drugs and misgovernance, but there was no concrete action plan on the ground to ameliorate the sufferings of the Afghan people. India should send wheat stocks by sea, through Iran and other Central Asian countries and by air, bypassing Pakistan. It is time to issue visas on arrival to ailing Afghans. Such actions will go a long way in establishing people-to-people contacts. In the absence of the above, such a dialogue remains meaningless. Ways and means must be found to neutralise Pakistan who has been playing a spoilsport, along with China, to let any meaningful relationship to evolve between the Taliban and India. As there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics, India, in its own interest, should evolve a working relationship with the Taliban.

Lt Col GS Bedi (Retd), Mohali

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Delhi Declaration

The declaration has rightly objected to the use of Afghan soil for terror activities (‘Regional NSAs’ meeting in Delhi’). The non-participation of Pakistan and China was another proof that they will continue to undermine Indian interests. Shaping the agenda in Afghanistan demands a presence on the ground. It is unfortunate that China, whose security concerns over Afghanistan are no different than those of other countries in the region, chose to stay away. India needs defensive and proactive strategies. It must shore up domestic security and work with both the US and Russia.

MS KHOKHAR, by mail

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Another row

Apropos of ‘Row over Kangana’s azadi in 2014 remark’, she gave this controversial statement which was liked by the BJP government at the Centre. She had also given statements against the farmers’ agitation, amounting to an insult to the farming community and sprinkling salt on their wounds. Probably this is why she has been given the prestigious Padma Shri award.

Vidwan Singh Soni, Patiala

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Book for treason

This happens when any person like Kangana, supported by the government, propagates a political agenda to tarnish the image of the nation and to disgrace our freedom fighters and soldiers who sacrificed their lives to get the nation liberated from the British (‘Row over Kangana’s azadi in 2014 remark’). Liberation is never given or taken as bheekh. In democracy, people give power to politicians as bheekh because they beg for votes, go to their doorstep like beggars, making lofty promises and betraying them. It is a national shame to award the Padma Shri to her. The President should take back her award, and a case under treason must be slapped on her.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Mohali

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Shame on Kangana

One is appalled that an ordinary cine artiste, Kangana Ranaut, has the temerity to state ‘1947 freedom was bheekh’! Some among the audience clapped for her. No one, other than Varun Gandhi, from the ruling party, had the moral courage to question her audacity. How dare she overlook the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, armed forces, nationalists, displaced citizens, widows, orphans? Her utterances are tantamount to treason. Unfortunately, she has come a step closer to be nominated to Parliament. Shame on her and her sponsors for honouring her with the highest civil award.

SPS NARANG, NEW DELHI

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BJP’s identity politics

Refer to ‘In UP, BJP’s welfare model, Hindutva go in tandem’; no other party can emulate the BJP in the idea of spreading identity politics. It is known all over India for this political gimmick. It makes every possible effort to divide society on the ground of religious identities. The quality of education is falling. Covid-19 has exposed the hidden frailties of the healthcare system. Rising prices have made it tough for everyone, particularly the labour class. Corruption and red tape plagues the nation’s growth. Transparency and ethics are missing. The danger of economic meltdown is still hovering. Insecurity and fear are prevalent. In such a scenario, if a political party talks of religion, the nation is unfortunate and its decay and deterioration is certain.

Kapil sharma, Kaithal

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