Much-needed consolidation

Refer to ‘GST reforms’; these measures were long pending. The consolidation of multiple slabs into primarily two was much-needed. GST 2.0 marks a significant shift towards the simplification of indirect taxation. The proposed reforms aim to reduce classification disputes and enhance compliance certainty. The GST Council must also leverage technology to counter fake entities and fraudulent billing to strengthen the reforms.

Bal Govind, Noida

Uphold electoral integrity

The debate over alleged manipulation of 65 lakh voter IDs has put the nation’s electoral system under scrutiny. The ECI’s response to Rahul Gandhi’s speech has sparked a necessary discussion. While the commission’s stance appears legitimate, concerns raised through Rahul’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ also deserve attention. Both the ECI and political parties must put the integrity of democracy above partisan gains. Citizens seek only fairness and justice. Hence, all sides must commit themselves to free and fair elections to uphold public trust.

Agam Garg, Jalandhar

Rahul must prove charges

Rahul Gandhi has embarked on the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ to highlight the alleged manipulations of voter lists, covering 1,300 km in 16 days. This would require him to march nearly 82 km a day — a daunting task. As for his allegations against the EC, Rahul must be prepared to substantiate his charges of malpractice, as in the past he has faced embarrassing moments when unable to back his claims with proof. He should cultivate the habit of forward thinking while maintaining discipline and integrity.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

BJP plays electoral card

By declaring CP Radhakrishnan as the Vice-Presidential candidate, the BJP has played an electoral card to assure South Indian voters that it cares for them. But I fail to understand why emphasis is placed on OBC or women candidates for the posts of President and Vice-President, as though these identities are qualifications above merit. Upper-caste individuals are rarely considered, as if belonging to that category is a disqualification or even a stigma. In our country, every major decision appears to be driven by vote-bank calculations.

IPS Anand, Gurugram

Putin gains ground

Refer to ‘Putin firmly spells out Russia’s red lines’; the hastily convened summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump appears to have been an attempt by the latter to boost his chances of securing the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump’s claim that he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within hours of assuming the US presidency has proved to be mere rhetoric. Instead, he rolled out the red carpet for Putin, while Ukraine’s President was publicly berated at the White House in February by US Vice-President JD Vance. The conflict continues unabated, with only Putin emerging stronger from this ill-conceived summit, without conceding anything on the battlefield or at the negotiating table.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

SAD in decline

Apropos of ‘The Badal legacy and SAD fragmentation’; the author aptly highlights how a leviathan of Punjab politics is now reduced to a sinking ship. Formed in 1920, the SAD played a stellar role in the freedom struggle; under Parkash Singh Badal, it ruled Punjab for nearly two decades. Its decline began with the ingress of close kin of Sukhbir Badal. The baggage of sacrilege incidents, Behbal Kalan police firing and the pardon granted (later revoked) to Sirsa dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim eroded the trust of the Sikh community. Even a public apology and tankhah have failed to help SAD regain lost ground.

HMS Nagra, Faridabad