Channi’s son at meeting

The presence of CM Charanjit Singh Channi’s son during his meeting with high-ranking police officials in Chandigarh was in bad taste, as it violated the dignity and protocol of the august office (‘Process on to trim CM’s security’). It can be seen as yet another attempt at political grooming to perpetuate dynastic rule which has become a recurring paradox of India’s political scenario over the decades. Lured by power and fame, children of politicians make a foray into politics to often adversely impact the functioning of the government. Radical change in the minds of voters and party practices can insulate politics from dynastic ambitions and promote the egalitarian essence of our vibrant democracy. Rather than promoting dynastic formation, Channi should focus on resolving dissensions within the PPCC and address the core problems confronting the state.

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Harmohit Singh, Hoshiarpur

Captain-Shah meeting

Refer to ‘Captain meets Shah’; during discussions at the meeting, Capt Amarinder Singh pressed for the repeal of the contentious farm laws to end the agitation of farmers. The recent political developments in Punjab could be an opportunity for the BJP as well as Amarinder. At present, the BJP has no stronghold in Punjab. Amarinder is an experienced politician and will not join the BJP, as he will invite the wrath of farmers. But if the BJP repeals the laws, the people of Punjab will welcome the alliance with open arms. The Amarinder-BJP alliance can be a game changer.

HMS NAGRA, FARIDABAD

Taking people for a ride

Apropos of ‘Cabinet clears the power dues of defaulters’, I think the people who pays power bills on time are fools. Politicians, again and again, one way or another, keep giving a clear-cut message that they have been chosen by fools. Will politicians give Rs 1,200 crore from their pocket, or will it come from the pocket of the people who are already paying the bills?

Dhiraj Kumar, Nabha

Hunt for power

We have a wrong notion that some of our leaders are not power hungry and are better than the others in terms of morals and ethics. Nobody is a saint in politics now. The revolting way in which the current Punjab episode unfolded should be an eye-opener. Indian politics is no more driven by ideology but by political opportunism. Whenever their self interest is hit, they show their true colours. The role model type politicians vanished long ago. Majority of politicians are for power and pelf rather than serving the people. We need to bring in a system of fixing accountability. Our people and media will have to build pressure against wrongdoings, if they want good governance.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Shoes too big to fill

Refer to ‘Kairon, the unhailed hero of Punjab’; perhaps no political leader in post-Kairon era can match his stature. The visionary leader was instrumental in bringing the best medical fraternity in the PGI and was also at the forefront to gift Panjab University with Dr AC Joshi. Kairon had passion to select and retain the best talent in reputed institutions. Once, when the PGI reported to him that Dr BN Aikat, a pathologist of international repute, was planning to quit, Kairon immediately invited him to his office and convinced him to stay on his own terms. Kairon was personally present at the Secretariat entrance to receive Dr Aikat.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

Building on hills

Refer to ‘Defying building bylaws’; it is harrowing to read about the collapse of a seven-storey building at Ghora Chowki near Shimla. The collapse triggered panic among residents in the vicinity as a large number of multi-storey buildings have come up in the fragile hill. As the popular name of the hill ‘Kachi Ghati’ suggests that it is fragile in nature, then how such buildings were allowed to come up? Officers and contractors seem to be hand in glove with each other. No building bylaws are followed in the area, thereby putting the lives of the residents at risk. The erring officials and contractors must be booked. It is time that we should learn a lesson and heed to the warning bells which are ringing loudly otherwise the results would be catastrophic.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

Bank pensioners

It is surprising that banks are bringing down intrest rates on loans in all categories, but interest on deposits and FDs remain unchanged at the bottom level. The banks must increase the interest rates on FDs and savings accounts as prices of everything have increased manifold. Salaries, pensions and wages of government staff increased, but the pension for bank staff has not been changed for the past 26 years. It seems like a betrayal of bank pensioners by trade unions and the Indian banks association and the Ministry of Finance.

SC DHALL, ZIRAKPUR

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