BJP will be tested in Punjab

Apropos of ‘BJP all the way’; it is a historic win for the BJP. AAP lost the Delhi election primarily due to anti-incumbency, corruption charges and the decision to go solo. Not stitching an alliance with the Congress cost AAP dear. Former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s credibility suffered a huge hit because of the graft charges against party bigwigs. Restoring public trust now seems to be the biggest task for the party. On the other hand, the BJP’s poll victories in recent months have boosted the morale of party workers. The party is hopeful of doing well in Bihar later this year, though it won’t be an easy task in West Bengal. In Punjab, it would be a real test for the BJP.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Party reached out to masses

The BJP leadership put its entire strength and energy into the election campaign with the determination to win the Delhi polls. With a well-thought-out strategy, the BJP reached out to the people with attractive promises at the micro level. It was not easy to counter the AAP top brass, yet the BJP, with its hard work, commitment and clear vision, achieved a massive victory. On the other hand, Delhi Congress leaders entered the poll fray with a half-hearted approach. Probably if AAP and the Congress had jointly faced the BJP, the outcome would have been different. The Congress leadership should seriously deliberate on the way forward.

Jai Prakash Gupta, Ambala

No second line of leaders

With reference to ‘How the AAP bubble burst’; both BJP and AAP are masters in the art of using the media to further their political interests. The Delhi loss has certainly hurt AAP, but it is premature for the media to write the party’s obituary. The BJP has been able to capitalise on the Modi magic, but it has not tried to groom state-level leaders. This strategy seems to be working for the present, but is not likely to work forever. Just as the Congress is suffering now due to its overdependence on the Nehru-Gandhi family, the BJP is likely to face the same problem a decade later.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Resolve Manipur crisis

With reference to ‘Facing heat over role in ethnic clashes, Manipur CM quits’; Biren Singh’s resignation will provide an opening for the resolution of the crisis. However, the delay means it will be far tougher. After the outbreak of turmoil in Manipur, the restoration of law and order was largely the CM’s responsibility. But not only did he fail, his public posturing exacerbated the strife-torn state’s situation. There is now a hostile wall between the Kuki and Meitei communities as both sides have armed themselves. A political resolution would mean big compromises, which will require deft handling of negotiations by the Centre. Addressing the deep distrust between the two communities will take massive effort, involving security forces, civil society groups and the political class, but this won’t be easy.

Lal Singh, Amritsar

Geriatric care ignored

Apropos of ‘Healthcare gets a booster shot with 10% budgetary hike’; the essence of good governance lies in being a responsive government. It should be able to sense the pulse of the people and work accordingly to strengthen public welfare. There has been an incremental rise in healthcare spending in India, yet it falls short of the National Health Policy 2017 recommendations. The Union Budget has left critical gaps that should be plugged keeping in mind the demography of our nation. Geriatric care has not been talked about. There is a need for deeper structural reforms dealing with the allocation of sufficient funds and undertaking regulatory incentives. A proactive approach should be followed to drive future policies.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Identify reasons for migration

Refer to ‘Illegal migration’; it shows the desperation of youths to leave Indian shores to earn more money by putting their lives at stake. Legal action against travel agents is not enough. The Central and state governments should find out the reasons because of which youths are leaving their family and country. It is also important to know how and why parents agree to mortgage or sell their property and send their children abroad even through illegal means.

Shakti Singh, Karnal