BJP in Bengal

Refer to ‘BJP exposes chinks’; the article has brought out the numerous challenges confronting Mamata Banerjee on her home turf, but has missed out two important points that might prove to be a dampener for the BJP’s poll prospects. The BJP has yet to finalise a CM face. Secondly, the party has opened its doors to renegades, turncoats and politicians with dubious credentials, who do not inspire confidence among the ordinary voter. Instead of highlighting the various shortcomings of the TMC rule and the yawning gap between promise and performance, the party has been indulging in unnecessary verbal jousts with the ruling dispensation and character vilification. There is still enough time for the BJP to offer an alternative development blueprint to convince the voters about its intentions.

Amit Banerjee, New Delhi

Digitalising economy

Due to Covid-19 as well as after the mission of ‘digital India’, our economy is back in the fast lane towards creating jobs and work electronically. The foremost example is the work-from-home facility being provided by several companies. Technology has proved to be a boon as well as bane for the economy. It made work and life easy, but there are various risks such as identity theft, card detail theft and fraud. India is among the top-ranked nations with regard to cyber crime. There is a high chance of personal information theft due to a weak infrastructural base. Digitalised economy does not only affect privacy, but also puts the weaker classes at a disadvantage since not everyone can afford to use technology due to rising inflation and other problems. This is creating a chasm among various sectors of the economy. People as well as the government should pay attention towards every aspect so that positive growth is possible.

Garima Kansal, Ratia

Teachers’ role

Refer to ‘Unexpected lesson in empathy’; teaching is a never-ending saga of learning between the teacher and the taught. These days when the Internet rules the roost and the market is flooded with misinformation, teachers’ intervention is of utmost importance to separate facts from fiction and to inculcate critical thinking. Technology can enhance learning but cannot supplant a teacher. They should go beyond their syllabus, and imbibe values of head and heart in students. It is the passion, boundless energy and a zest to make a difference in society that should be the guiding force behind any profession rather than a last-resort career option.

Vijay Singh Adhikari, Nainital

Warning bells for BJP

Reference to ‘Mandate for liberal policies’; the people of Punjab punished political parties for their role in the enactment of the three farm laws. The BJP is responsible for promulgating these laws. It has been nearly uprooted. The SAD, which had supported the Bills in the initial stage, was a distant second. The AAP’s double standard is responsible for its low score. The BJP must read the writing on the wall.

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

Victory of people

Apropos of ‘Congress sweeps the polls’, the results were expected. The Congress has won the election overwhelmingly, pushing the rival SAD to a humiliating second spot. The benefit of the farmers’ agitation has gone in favour of the Congress. The resignation of Harsimrat Badal from the coveted post of central minister did not help as the resignation was not timed well. The stubborn attitude of the Modi government on the new farm laws has not benefited it either. The Assembly elections are not far away. There is a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of the Congress government. People have high hopes and their votes cannot be taken for granted. Due to 50 per cent quota, some women have been elected for the first time and people expect a significant role from them. It is expected they will play an assertive role and will not become puppets in the hands of their husbands.

Jatinder bir Singh, Ludhiana

Ramani’s acquittal

Refer to ‘Ramani let off, court junks MJ Akbar’s suit’; Ramani’s acquittal in the criminal defamation case filed by Akbar proves who was the offender and who the victim. The acquittal by the Delhi trial court also indicates that Akbar was trying to mislead the court by filing a defamation case instead of accepting his fault. He probably felt that he could use courts to turn a decision in his favour but it has been proved incorrect. It is laudable that Ramani stood her ground. The court order also noted that women’s right to speak up about violations are not restricted by the passage of time. The order deserves praise.

Devendra Khurana, Bhopal

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