Ram temple inauguration

Apropos of ‘BJP, RSS eyeing poll gain: Sonia, Kharge decline temple invite’; the reasons cited by the Congress to justify its decision to skip the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 seem to be a mere eyewash. Despite receiving an invitation from the temple trust, the top leadership of the party has chosen not to participate in the event. This decision, amid a prevailing atmosphere of religious fervour, implies that the Congress is not aligning itself with Hindu sentiments. It appears that electoral considerations, particularly concerning votes from minority groups, have taken precedence over participation in this significant Hindu religious event. Such a stance could prove detrimental to the Congress’s electoral prospects.

N Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru

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Cong lacks fresh ideas

Apropos of ‘More to marmalade than meets the eye’; the writer rightly observes that the Gandhis showcase a westernised lifestyle, emphasising preferences for items like marmalade rather than the winter favourite, ‘gajar ka halwa’, cherished by many. Neither Rahul nor the Congress appears as a formidable and principled opposition in the country. They exude arrogance and seem bewildered, if not entirely clueless, about their strategy. The party’s decline is, in part, a result of its own actions, with dynastic politics and a lack of fresh ideas contributing to its downfall. Its most significant shortcoming lies in its failure to present a coherent alternative to the BJP. It must offer constructive criticism like a good Opposition party to face the Modi juggernaut.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

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Need for safer alternatives

Refer to ‘Plastic hazard’; the recent study on toxic plastic in bottled water is alarming, revealing a significant threat to both health and the environment. With India witnessing a surge in bottled water consumption, there is an urgent need for stringent regulations and safer alternatives. The study’s revelation of nanoplastic prevalence requires immediate attention to safeguard public health. Regulatory bodies must enforce rigorous safety standards in the bottled water industry, emphasising alternatives such as glass, stainless steel and biodegradable material. It is crucial to protect both human wellbeing and the planet from the escalating plastic hazard.

Amarjeet Mann, Una

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Change mindset

Refer to ‘Save Rohtak’s betis’; the dismal figures are a blot on a society that considers girls as the embodiment of goddesses. In an era when girls have excelled in all fields, including defence, such an attitude is highly unfortunate and deplorable. On any scale, there cannot be a greater sin. Even the severest ban on sex determination tests or other measures will not be able to put the brakes on such practices unless the mindset of the public changes.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

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Decline in sex ratio

Apropos of ‘Save Rohtak’s betis’; after the encouraging results of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme, the recent decline in the sex ratio is shocking. Since 2016, the Haryana government has done a good job in cracking down on unscrupulous doctors, nurses and ultrasound centres, resulting in improvements in sex ratio and a change in sociological perspective, even in the most patriarchal districts like Jhajjar, Jind, Bhiwani, Dadri and Rohtak. However, the recent data indicates that the problem of patriarchy is resurfacing and is poised to create serious issues related to gender equity in the state if not addressed and arrested well in time.

Abhimanyu Malik, Jind

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IAS officers must adhere to laws

Refer to ‘Many IAS officers not filing property returns: Panel’; IAS officers are often regarded as the steel frame of India, playing a pivotal role in the execution of the country’s policies and programmes. As the cornerstone of good governance, civil servants are expected to uphold a high degree of discipline and diligently adhere to all laws, rules and regulations. The timely submission of the immovable property return is a crucial requirement for maintaining probity and transparency. It is imperative that all officers in the Central Civil Services strictly adhere to the due date, displaying exemplary conduct in this regard.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

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