Check intolerance

Reference to ‘The hate propagandists’, the unabashed hate speeches on stage in Haridwar were nothing but deeply offensive. The open Muslim-baiting and exhorting Hindus to take up arms for violence are a direct challenge to our Constitution. As cases against activists and comedians point to the weaponisation of law to shrink the space for free speech, the problem showcased in Haridwar requires a political, more than a legal, response. It needs the BJP, as the ruling party in the state where the conclave took place, to distance itself from the frenzy of hate and repudiate hate speeches on stage.

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MS Khokhar, by mail

BJP stakes in Himachal

PM Modi’s visit to Mandi is being seen as a fillip to HP CM Jai Ram Thakur, who completes four years of rule in the hill state. The BJP was humbled by the Congress in the recent bypolls to Mandi parliamentary constituency and three Vidhan Sabha seats. Mandi is the home district of Jai Ram Thakur. All four seats were won by the Congress. The image of JP Nadda has also suffered tremendously. By holding that the bypoll victory for the Congress is a sympathy vote for Virbhadra Singh, who passed away earlier this year, the BJP is only losing contact with the masses. The recent police strike is an example. Thus, the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections will be a litmus test for Thakur.

LR Sharma, Sundernagar

Farmers in poll arena

Is fighting elections the birth right of political parties? What have the Congress and other parties done for the betterment of farmers? Farmer suicides continue even almost 75 years after Independence. Farmers continue to be exploited by traders despite MSP. Now, it is the turn of the farmers to play kingmakers and take care of their issues. When a small agitation of Anna Hazare can make a common man a Chief Minister, why can’t the Samyukt Kisan Morcha play a key role in government formation?

Capt Amar Jeet, Greater Mohali

Appointment of judges

Reference to ‘Judges appointing judges a propagated myth, says CJI’, there is no denying the fact that in the recent past, judges have been appointed on extraneous and political considerations in higher courts. It is normal in all democratic countries to make the appointment or removal of judges beyond the reach of arbitrariness of the executive. The collegium method has come as a result of two judgments of the Supreme Court in 1993 and 1998 by a presidential reference, and the decision needs to be modified for a new method. In America, the appointment of judges to the apex court is subject to the approval of the senate. In Switzerland, judges are selected by the legislature. We cannot think of such a practice being given a trial in our country. Here, the judiciary has always remained the last hope of the helpless. We must choose our judges with utmost care.

Anil Bhatia, Hisar

Foster secularism

Anti-religious activities are on the rise in our country and the silence of the government on the issue only aids in emboldening the perpetrators. These acts defy the very basis of our country — secularism. Furthermore, states curbing even voluntary conversion only exacerbate the present condition by aggravating animosity among various religious groups. It begs the question — when sedition is imposed on innocent activists and citizens, then why no stringent action is taken against these elements?

Aanya Singhal, Noida

Remembering fire victims

Apropos of ‘Tributes paid to Dabwali fire tragedy victims’, the families of victims need our heartfelt sympathy. Though none of us can bring them back, yet we can learn a lesson from such bitter experiences. It is heartening that Surbhi Manav Kalyan Samiti, a self-help group founded by ex-ADGP Surender Narang, organises blood donation camps in memory of the victims of that tragedy.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

An apostle of peace

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner and veteran of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, was revered by both blacks and whites. Tutu won the Nobel in 1984 in recognition of his non-violent opposition to white minority rule. In his passing away, the world has lost an apostle of peace and harmony.

Rukma Sharma, by mail

Expansionist China

Apropos of ‘India in a world at war’, Moscow knows the ramifications of Ukraine jumping on NATO’s bandwagon. Breaking bread with Beijing is different. China has always downplayed India’s interests despite its attempts to normalise relations. The author is right — improving relations with China will increase India’s strategic depth, but sadly it seems to be a Herculean task, keeping its expansionist mindset in mind.

Ishan Chauhan, Jalandhar Cantt

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