Symbol of resilience

Apropos of ‘The bag lady’; the editorial captures the significance of Priyanka Gandhi’s bags amid BJP MPs’ sardonic remarks. Far from being a mere accessory, the bag symbolises a woman navigating the rugged landscape of Indian politics; it reflects Priyanka’s resilience against her detractors. The editorial highlights the bag’s metaphorical weight while reminding us of the broader struggles of women across the socio-political spectrum. Instead of indulging in shallow jibes, politicians must prioritise women’s empowerment to foster an inclusive ethos.

HARBINDER S DHILLON, una

Freedom to raise concerns

Apropos of ‘The bag lady’; it’s not the first time that an MP has ‘worn’ a political message. Priyanka Gandhi’s recent appearance in Parliament with a bag which had ‘Palestine’ inscribed on it has garnered a lot of attention. Of course, the Palestine issue runs counter to the ethos of the ruling dispensation. A debate about our empathy towards the minorities is timely. There should be freedom to raise concerns about our foreign policy even if they are not in line with the government’s stance. A country whose people have diverse opinions must be united when it comes to showing concern for the oppressed humankind.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Fight in unison against terror

Refer to ‘Terror alert in Punjab’ is spot on about alerting all concerned against “laxity when anti-India elements are hell-bent on creating trouble”. These elements cannot succeed without local support. When terror thrives under a widespread network, synergy between the state and Central governments becomes imperative to decimate it. Terror has no religion and is to be dealt with sans any political consideration or patronage. The challenge, as of now, is to prevent radicals from taking control of the Akali Dal, which is being reconstituted under the aegis of the Sikh clergy.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Don’t rake up the past

Refer to ‘Why making of Constitution matters today’; the members of the Constituent Assembly formulated the Constitution with an eye on the future of our country, while our parliamentarians today are looking at the past and busy cherry-picking statements of BR Ambedkar, KM Munshi, etc, to serve their own interests. Such debates yield no winners. There was diversity in views of even our founding fathers. Parliamentarians must show foresight and look towards building a bright future for the country rather than nitpicking over the past. Blaming Nehru and Indira Gandhi won’t feed the hungry or provide jobs to the unemployed. Lawmakers must get their priorities right and consider the Constitution as their guiding light and keeper of their conscience.

Gurnoor Grewal, by mail

Let your vote speak

Refer to ‘Look beyond simultaneous elections’; as discussions on simultaneous elections intensify, the importance of voting cannot be overstated. Unified polls may aim to streamline governance, but democracy thrives on active participation. Your vote is the most powerful tool to ensure that your concerns are heard and reflected in decisions on education, healthcare and economic growth. By casting your vote, you can hold leaders accountable and guarantee diverse perspectives in policymaking. Choosing not to vote allows others to decide your future, sidelining your priorities. In a democracy, every vote counts. Today, more than ever before, voting is the most direct way to make your voice matter.

Mananjot Singh, Rohtak

Farmers must heed SC gesture

Apropos of ‘Farmers can directly come to us with demands: SC’; the apex court has made a great gesture to protesting farmers. It has asked them to approach the court directly through an authorised representative with their demands and suggestions for solving their problems amicably. Earlier, the farmers had refused to interact with the court-appointed high-powered committee. The court has also directed the Punjab Government to immediately extend medical aid to fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Farmer leaders must respond positively to the court’s initiative.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

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