Sukhu shows how it’s done

Refer to ‘Sukhu takes the road less travelled’ (The Great Game); the column rightly commends Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his adept handling of internal party conflicts despite the many pulls and pressures. The Congress party’s victory in four of the six seats in the state Assembly bypolls earlier this year added yet another feather to Sukhu’s cap. In this day and age, when politicians make tall promises to the voters to enhance their poll appeal, it takes guts for a leader to take unpopular decisions like withdrawing the free electricity scheme for taxpayers to improve the fiscal health of the state.
Chanchal S Mann, Una

Himachal CM sets an example
Apropos of ‘Sukhu takes the road less travelled’ (The Great Game); the recent steps taken by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu are reshaping Himachal Pradesh. His decision to scrap power subsidies for the rich and his success in consolidating his position against political rebels mark a rare blend of pragmatic governance and political acumen. Unlike Punjab, where poll promises remain unfulfilled, Sukhu’s strategic cuts are aligned with the state’s fiscal realities. He has clearly taken a leaf out of the successful models of Kerala and Tamil Nadu but tailored the policies to Himachal’s unique requirements. His willingness to tackle sensitive issues — from power to potential water reforms — head-on signifies a break from populist politics. Sukhu’s journey, driven by a vision for long-term stability over short-term gains, deserves national recognition.
Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Save the Western Ghats
Apropos of the news report ‘Centre issues fresh draft notification to declare Western Ghats eco-sensitive’; the unbridled exploitation of ecologically fragile regions leads to disastrous consequences like unpredictable rain patterns. Haphazard development in such sensitive areas can trigger heavy landslides, claiming several lives. Infrastructural development can cost the local residents and the authorities dear. It is high time that we stopped disturbing the ecological balance. All stakeholders must come together to save, protect and preserve the Western Ghats; millions of lives depend on it. The over 56,825.7 square km of the mountain range must be declared an ecologically sensitive area as soon as possible.
Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

Trump hits Kamala below the belt
Former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump has been freaking out ever since Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic presidential ticket. He has resorted to calling her names like ‘a crazy liberal’ and ‘radical left lunatic’. Certain early predictions that give Harris an edge over Trump are to blame for the latter’s outbursts. Since Trump realises that he is on a sticky wicket, he has now even called into question his Democratic opponent’s racial identity. He recently also denigrated South America, Asia and Africa, saying that they send criminals to the US. Trump must not forget that the red carpet was rolled out for him when he visited India in 2020. He must not use derogatory language for our country.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai

Haryana must scrap S+4 policy
Gen VP Malik, who was the Army chief during the 1999 Kargil War, was heard by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. So, it is a pity that the Haryana Government has failed to heed the concerns recently raised by him about the stilt-plus-four (S+4) policy. The state authorities have given in to pressure from lobbies comprising politicians, money-minded property dealers and other people with vested interests. This policy would give the realtors free rein to hike the prices of properties. The government must withdraw the policy in order to keep the property rates stable.
Raj Kumar Singla, Panchkula

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