For women to decide

Refer to ‘Abortion law in US’; it has been 50 years since the debate between pro-life and pro-choice supporters was put to rest by a nine-judge Bench of the US Supreme Court. Led by Chief Justice Warren E Burger, it was a defining and landmark judgment. Now, what good could possibly come out of a decision that blatantly destroys the right of a woman living in the 21st century, over her own body? Are Americans tracing back steps on the road of evolution or is this a political stunt? Law is supposed to evolve and advance, and not be inconsistent and irrelevant with time. Judgments like these are hypocritical and erosive to the spirit of law.

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Rewant Sharma, by mail

Sangrur byelection

Apropos of ‘Triumph of democracy’, the victory of Simranjit Singh Mann reaffirms the resilience of Indian democracy. Sangrur is the home turf of CM Bhagwant Mann. The reason for Simranjit’s victory is disenchantment with the AAP government. Simranjit was gaining popularity even without any organisational infrastructure, though he was defeated repeatedly after his LS victory in 1999. But since he had the support of the slain singer, Moosewala, his Sangrur victory was expected. Punjab’s mainstream parties should worry about the ‘radical’politician’s victory.

SK SINGH, by mail

Significant outcome

The outcome of the Sangrur Lok Sabha byelection is significant. Despite contrarian views from various quarters, it has proved that democracy has strong roots in our political system. The three-month-old AAP dispensation has suffered a setback. The Congress, SAD and BJP were defeated because of their poor performance in the past. Instead of expressing concern over Simranjit’s radical ideology, the parties should introspect and review their agendas to revive their base among the angst-ridden and disillusioned electorate. The new SAD (A) MP should not indulge in any controversial behaviour and should strive to address the core socio-economic challenges confronting the state.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Lesson for AAP

Simranjit Singh Mann’s win in the Sangrur bypoll has many lessons for the AAP and other parties. The outcome has proved many political analysts wrong. Mann is still relevant, though his party has been branded radical. The result will have an adverse effect on the poll prospects of the AAP as Sangrur had been represented twice in the Lok Sabha by CM Bhagwant Mann. The people cannot be taken for granted as the electorate can see through the tricks and rhetorical ploys of political parties.

PK Sharma, Barnala

AAP in chakravyuh

Refer to ‘No fresh taxes, AAP goes with poll promises’; the party has entered the ‘chakravyuh’ without knowing how to come out. Despite an inherited debt of about Rs 3 lakh crore, the maiden budget of the government is a beginning in the right direction that prioritises education, healthcare, agriculture, employment generation and law and order. Its corruption-free and pro-common man politics has caught the imagination of Indians who have had enough of divisive and self-centred politics. The AAP should not give any chance to the powerful propaganda machinery of the mainstream parties. It must plan its moves with care if it aims to change the course of politics for the betterment of Indians.

HL Sharma, Amritsar

Agniveer controversy

Most retired defence officers who have written about the Agnipath scheme have expressed reservations about its efficacy. To a common man, it appears that the pension bill of retired soldiers is becoming too heavy, encroaching upon infrastructural development of the armed forces. There has to be a way out. The scheme should be allowed to be reviewed by retired Generals and they should submit the report to the government. Till then, the scheme should be continued on a trial basis. Money can be saved from a number of populist schemes that the government has launched over the years. Such schemes should be analysed and the ones not useful should be stopped while the others curtailed.

LR Sharma, Sundernagar

Manage tourist traffic

The incessant flow of tourists to Kasauli, Shimla and beyond has exposed the fragility and the medieval status of our traffic management system. With the development of concomitant infrastructure, tourists venture into the tribal circuit and untapped places in the hinterland. The entry and exit, however, remain the NH-5, leading to huge traffic jams. The traffic police/NHAI must develop a template based on hotel/homestay reservations to predict traffic, especially over weekend, and issue advisories accordingly. Himachal cannot afford to let this uptick in tourism be affected due to issues which can be planned better. It only requires optimal use of technology and a will to perform.

Gurjyot Singh, Shimla

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