Political will a must to stem the rot

Apropos of ‘Lokpal has flattered to deceive’; all these years, the common man hoped that the Lokpal would eradicate corruption and facilitate clean governance. However, that belief seems to have crumbled. The Lokpal Act officially came into force in 2014 but the institution only became functionally operational years later. States like Maharashtra and Karnataka had established it much earlier and earned public trust. Even Anna Hazare’s hunger strikes and protests could not give an effective Lokpal to the people. The concept was borrowed from Sweden, which has parliamentary ombudsmen. However, in India, political will is needed to help the Lokpal win the confidence of the public.

Raj Kumar Goyal, Patiala

Big sharks need to be caught

Refer to ‘Lokpal has flattered to deceive’; the article showcases the stark reality of corruption in our society. The writer has no grouse about Lokpal members asking for BMWs, provided that they bring some big sharks to book. But the big fish will include political leaders and bureaucrats. The writer has rightly said that the battle against corruption cannot be fought without a strong political will, which should be aligned with people’s faith in institutions.

Surinder Pal, Chandigarh

Rahul Gandhi’s bold stand

Rahul Gandhi has articulated his stand on ‘vote theft’ in state elections across the country with clarity and conviction. Rahul’s courage lies not just in questioning the system but in doing so openly in front of the people, knowing the risks involved. In a political landscape where many avoid challenging institutional irregularities, his voice has reignited a national conversation on the sanctity of the ballot. By highlighting alleged irregularities, he has reminded citizens that democracy thrives only when every vote counts and the mandate is respected. Whether one agrees with his kind of politics or not, the courage to confront uncomfortable truths deserves acknowledgment.

Bhaskar Deka, Guwahati

Need an empathetic society

Apropos of ‘Bullied by recovery agents over Rs 1K dues, Ropar widow dies by suicide’; the woman’s death raises the larger issue of social emancipation. Family bonds have become weak to the extent that we don’t give or seek timely help, when it is needed. We give thousands in donations to mandirs and gurdwaras, while a needy neighbour’s need is knowingly overlooked and is not a priority for us, even as a duty. All social schemes are on paper or speak out loud on advertisement billboards. The poor and needy continue to suffer silently. Apathy has overtaken our moral values; we continue to live in denial that something of this kind could happen to us or somebody who is our own.

Manmohan Singh, Kharar

Power versus poverty

The front page of the newspaper painted a painful irony — one is a news report ‘Bullied by recovery agents over Rs 1K dues, Ropar widow dies by suicide’ about a woman taking her life over a small loan instalment after being pushed to the brink. The adjacent report ‘Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s son faces probe in Rs 300-cr land deal’ is about a politician’s son allegedly committing irregularities. Such contrast exposes the deep moral divide in our society where power shields corruption and poverty continues to suffer in silence. It is time to reflect on whither our nation is heading.

Ashok Goyal, Chandigarh

Onus on authorities

The Supreme Court’s order on removal of stray dogs, cattle and other animals from public places, expressways and highways is a remarkable suo motu initiative. Schools, hospitals, bus stands, railway stations and other public places, where the daily footfall is high, are plagued by the menace of stray dogs. The danger of dogbites in the case of children and the elderly is high as they are unable to protect themselves. It remains to be seen with what seriousness the SC order is given a practical shape by the states and local authorities.

Ashok Kumar, by mail