Freedom to eat

The Constitution mandates an even-handed governance to deal with diversity, which spans every aspect of Indian culture, beliefs, language, and even food habits. The recent non-vegetarian food conflict at the JNU is another example of a setback to coexistence. Every now and then, the JNU has been in the news, of late more for the wrong reasons. Nowhere else in the world do people ask if you are vegetarian. This could be because those who have given up eating meat and milk products are called vegan, and the rest are eating their normal food which includes meat. Some Indian states need to be aware of the fallout of ignoring the spirit of the Constitution. They must find ways to harmonise the gulf between different community-centric traditions in our country with staggering diversity.

PL SINGH, by mail

Fight over food

Reference to ‘Food fundamentalism’; the news of fracas and vandalism at JNU over non-vegetarian food cooked in its mess during Navratras is hogging the limelight. These episodes not only vitiate the semblance of peace in the premier university but also bring disrepute to the nation. Moreover, the BJP Mayor and other party leaders championing the consumption of vegetarian food during Navratras are not being taken to task by the top BJP leadership, as usual. Their unruly conduct demonstrates that they have tacit approval. The day is not far when BJP-ruled states may enact a legislation to criminalise consumption of non-vegetarian food during Hindu auspicious occasions. However, all this will have a cascading effect in our neighbourhood, where Hindus who are in minority will be given a short shrift and retributive punishment. We have been witnessing such sordid episodes in Bangladesh and Pakistan. These ignoble acts of showcasing religiosity do a great disservice to the nation at large.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Rework pension format

Apropos of ‘Haryanas spends Rs 29 crore on pensions to former MLAs’, the AAP has announced in Punjab that its MLAs will get pension for only one term. It is a good start that everyone appreciates. Former Haryana MLA Nirmal Singh has also started a new discussion in the state by announcing that he will take only one-term pension as soon as he joins the AAP. The Haryana Government is giving over Rs 29 crore per year as pension to 275 former MLAs and widows of 128 ex-MLAs. Similarly, crores of rupees of the public are being given every year in the form of pension to former MPs and MLAs across the country, which is not justified. In today’s time, it is the wish of the people that politicians should get only pension for one term. It should be discussed across the country. Central and state governments, all political parties, MPs and MLAs should set a new example by enacting a law to give only one-term pension by consensus.

Shakti Singh, Karnal

One term only

After the change of guard in Punjab, a decision has been taken to pay pension to each former MLA for only one term. It has taken politicians too long to wake up from deep slumber. It’s a pity that politics has been transformed into a money-making enterprise, with the motto being ‘self before service’. It would be prudent to fix only one term for all MLAs and MPs and not let them contest for a second term. This will help the nation get rid of most of its financial and electoral ills.

Col JK Bhardwaj (retd), Hoshiarpur

New shoots in Pakistan

After a turbulent two weeks, a new government has been established in Pakistan. The recent change should encourage us. First, it took place in a democratic manner, with the army apparently keeping away. We must seize the opportunity to encourage a peaceful border with the new government. Secondly, we must give credit to the Supreme Court of Pakistan which withstood the pressure of politicians and the public to support the established law, leaving no room for mischief. It is another high point for Pakistan. Rule and respect for law is a lesson for all governments.

GDS Banga, Panchkula

Discipline must

Reference to ‘Day later, Cong expels Sidhu loyalist Dhiman’; it is a right action taken at the right time by the Congress high command. Every organisation runs better if it is disciplined. To inculcate discipline, the high command should be able to take strict action against erring members. Had such action been taken against those breaching party discipline before the elections, the Congress wouldn’t have suffered defeat. Time has been wasted but it can be regained. The party is defeated, but not finished. It shows that the party is trying to find its lost ground. A show-cause notice issued to Jakhar shows that nobody is above the party.

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

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