Kejriwal no ‘aam aadmi’
Refer to the editorial ‘The Kejri splurge’; a whopping Rs 33 crore was spent on the renovation of then CM Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence. This blatant waste of government funds has dented his ‘aam aadmi’ image. As per the CAG report, Rs 19.87 crore were sanctioned for staff quarters, but these were never built and the money was diverted to renovate Kejriwal’s house. The report further states that no record of expenditure was provided to the auditors. A thorough probe is needed to unearth the wrongdoings committed on the pretext of renovation.
Wg Cdr CL Sehgal (retd), Jalandhar
Remain wary of China
Apropos of ‘China reiterates stand on Brahmaputra dam project, says it will help India, Bangladesh’; the development is in line with China’s long-term plan from the days of Mao Zedong, who talked about ‘borrowing’ some water from the south. A treaty on the lines of the Indus Waters Treaty, which has withstood the vicissitudes of wars and conflicts, would be acceptable to both India and Bangladesh, but that is uncertain amid the current tensions. The reassurance by China on the proposed dam is welcome, but India needs to take steps to safeguard its river flows. India should efficiently manage its resources to improve the lives of its citizens.
HN Ramakrishna, Bengaluru
Don’t ignore nature’s warnings
A powerful quake rocked Tibet on Tuesday morning, killing dozens of people. Its tremors were felt in Nepal, Bhutan and northern India. Can we forget the havoc wreaked by the 2015 Nepal earthquake, which killed about 9,000 people, or the 2008 quake in China’s Sichuan province that claimed almost 70,000 lives? India’s geographical position makes it prone to earthquakes, particularly in the Himalayan and Northeast regions. Humankind has been ignoring repeated warnings, forcing nature to unleash its fury. Rampant construction in the hills and environmental damage are leading to such natural calamities.
Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad
Rein in erring governors
Apropos of ‘TN Governor walks out of Assembly, alleges insult to National Anthem’; the Tamil Nadu Governor does not miss an opportunity to cry foul and lock horns with the state government. When he was already intimated about the customary practice, he is only making much ado about nothing. Governors ought to facilitate the working of state governments rather than becoming impediments. Delaying assent to important Bills and constantly disagreeing with the state government does not behove the occupant of a constitutional post. It’s high time the BJP-led Central Government reined in erring governors.
Aanya Singhal, Noida
Trudeau’s downfall
The downfall of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau happened primarily due to the prevailing strife within the Liberal Party, an increase in food and housing prices, the influx of immigrants into Canada and the entry of illegal immigrants into the US through the Canadian border. India-Canadian relations have hit a trough over the past year or so. It is hoped that Trudeau’s successor will work hard to mend ties with India. The new PM would also have to deal deftly with Donald Trump, who will be sworn as the US President later this month.
Col RS Narula (retd), Patiala
Sham mourners
Refer to the middle, ‘What remains in the end’; the writer is right that bhogs and marriages have become weekend marathons. Attendees get a chance to mingle with the who’s who of the city. Recently, I attended a ‘pagri’ ceremony following the demise of a relative. The venue was a luxury banquet resort adorned by floral decorations. A reputed caterer was hired, and choicest delicacies were served by immaculately dressed waiters. Singers presented religious film songs. The majority of the people were busy with their mobile phones. Except close family members, nobody looked sad. Is this how we mourn our loved ones these days?
Ramesh Gupta, Narwana
