‘One nation, one poll’ welcome

With reference to ‘One nation, one poll: Kovind panel spells out roadmap, challenges’; the proposal for simultaneous polls offers both benefits and challenges. It could streamline governance, reduce costs and improve voter turnout while minimising disruptions from the Model Code of Conduct. However, concerns persist about its potential to erode federalism, weaken regional parties and favour national ones. Besides, the logistical burden on the security forces and election officials cannot be ignored. Introducing 18 constitutional amendments complicates the legal framework, risking instability in governance during hung Houses or fresh elections. There is a need to adopt a balanced approach. It is imperative that these reforms are scrutinised rigorously, ensuring that efficiency does not compromise democratic principles. The government must tread carefully to ensure both political representation and administrative improvement.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Hold simultaneous LS, state polls

With reference to the news report ‘Cabinet clears plan for parallel LS, state polls; yet to fix timeline’; simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are the need of the hour. Holding one round of polls after another through the year drains the country’s financial reserves. The nation cannot afford to bear such a massive fiscal burden, which hinders progress in developmental works. Besides, the ruling dispensation will find it easier to undertake long-term projects if there are parallel polls. And political parties may finally shift their focus from electioneering to governance.

Anil Vinayak, Amritsar

Kejriwal’s resignation is welcome

Apropos of the editorial ‘Delhi’s new CM’; Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to resign as the Chief Minister of the Capital is laudable. Had he quit in the wake of his arrest, it would have been even better for his party. There is no longer any doubt that Central agencies like the ED and the CBI have been weaponised by the BJP-led Centre to target Opposition leaders like the AAP supremo. And clearly, Kejriwal is trying to take control of the narrative by seeking the voters’ mandate as a form of vindication.

Raj Kumar Goyal, Patiala

Atishi can woo women voters

Refer to the editorial ‘Delhi’s new CM’; ever since AAP got the status of a national party, he has aspired for more power. Kejriwal’s decision to resign is a step in the right direction. The AAP supremo has done well to pass the torch on to Atishi, a young, first-time MLA who is smart and well-educated. Now that Kejriwal won’t be responsible for governing Delhi, he can focus on working towards the growth of his party. Besides, as the third woman CM of the national capital, Atishi can help the party woo female voters.

Sudershan Walia, Amritsar

West Asia remains on the boil

Apropos of the editorial ‘Exploding pagers’; the recent explosion of pagers across Lebanon that claimed around 10 lives and wounded over 2,750 people is a matter of grave concern. The attack marks an alarming escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Hezbollah appears to be the main target of the attack. As expected, both the pro-Iran armed group and the Lebanese state have pointed fingers at Tel Aviv. The consequences of the explosion will ripple across the world in the months to come. Israel has sent mixed signals, saying it does not want war, but it is ready to confront Hamas and Hezbollah. There is no end in sight to the growing unrest in West Asia.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Criminals don’t fear the law

Refer to the article ‘Erosion of integrity plagues state police forces’, the writer’s observations are on point. It is time for the political establishment to acknowledge its role in the drastic rise in heinous crimes. Criminals these days have no fear of the law of the land. Ironically, it is the victims who hesitate to approach the police or lodge a complaint as they fear the rigmarole of court proceedings. And justice often eludes even those who seek it.

RC Garg, Kotkapura

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com