Bypoll results

Reference to ‘Shock defeat for BJP in HP, Congress wins all four seats; INLD retains Ellenabad’; it is a proof of what the well-wishers of the Grand Old Party have been trying to make the Congress party realise: united and concerted efforts only can make the party what it is, that is, the voice of the common man, concerned with the issues of day-to-day hardships of life. In these elections, the central leadership has had no tangible role. The state leaders have proved that it is their ground-level attachment that swings the winds of victory in their favour. The results from other parts of the country bear out the same fact. It is a tribute also to the sagacity of the Indian voter who has matured politically and does not get swayed by jingoistic clamour.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

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A clear message

Apropos of ‘Bypoll verdict’, the hill state has given a clear indication that it may again follow a set pattern of change of government every alternate term if the outcome is to be believed. The Opposition party will now be in an upbeat mood, putting the ruling party on the defensive. Contrary to claims by the ruling party, it is not purely a sympathy vote, but also dissatisfaction of the people with the handling of mundane but vital issues concerning people. The verdict also emphasises that the electorate is still not ready to accept the new entrants, preferring the age-old tested family ties. Tokenism, sloganeering, hype and reliance on the Centre for everything, including electoral success, have only limited utility and may give diminishing returns beyond a point.

GP Capt JS Boparai, Bhadsali

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Emission targets

PM Modi’s climate combat plans seem quite realistic, given India’s imperatives, but need plenty of governmental and political efforts. Modi’s speech at Glasgow climate summit has put India in a leadership role. The final goal of net-zero emissions by 2070, when the emission of greenhouse gases by human activity are offset to neutralise it, seems quite a doable deadline. Modi made some big-ticket announcements. But electoral politics like slashing power tariffs to unviable levels will make many reforms hard. If India is to meet its 2030 target, power distribution reforms need an all party consensus on backing away from the over competitive race of offering freebies and lower power tariffs. India’s political class needs to find a common ground.

SK Singh, by email

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Rising costs

With inflation surging, real returns are close to nil. This is hitting the economic well-being of senior citizens hard. There are green shoots in the economy for sure, but the rising costs of daily goods have pegged down middle-income households. Their in-store buying behaviour has changed, more Indian shoppers are now seeking discounts and promotions. That’s also a reflection of the strain that the pandemic has cast on household budgets.

SC Dhall, Zirakpur

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Playground spirit

Apropos of ‘Manufacturing fear’, a picture of intolerant India is sought to be painted. But is there an answer to the query as to why the sportsman spirit gets kindled only when Pakistan defeats India? Pakistan has won against other countries also, but do such celebrations take place? Such selective display of sportsman spirit should not be encouraged.

AK Sharma, Chandigarh

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Capt Amarinder’s party

The assumption that relations between the PPCC chief and CM Channi are not cordial and that populist actions of the CM may affect the Congress are unfounded doubts. Amarinder’s new party, Punjab Lok Congress, is in fact ‘Punjab Locked Congress’, and will not cause any threat to the Congress because this party is not formally born and lacks maturity. Besides, the Congress is on a roll, having done well in the bypolls in HP and Rajasthan. A major factor in the state elections in 2022 will be the farmers, who will not vote for the BJP and its allies.

Capt Amar Jeet, Mohali

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Stage fright

Reference to ‘Being the butt of a joke’, it is understandable that a child so small could have acted that way. One is reminded of an incident when Mahatma Gandhi had hosted a party for his friends at his home before he was to leave South Africa. He had drafted a speech to deliver at the end of the party. When Mahatma Gandhi stood up to speak, his throat choked. He could only say to his guests, “Thank you”. Probably it is the fear of stage in the initial stages which people overcome in due course and come out as successful orators.

SK Takyar, Panchkula

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