This refers to the cover story, And Justice for None (December 11). Your article was very readable, but it forgot to mention the most hypocritical law of all—the Muslim personal law which shows Muslim Indians to be part of a ‘separate nation’, and therefore different. This, despite the fact that according to our Constitution, all Indians, regardless of their caste, sex, creed and religion, are one.
S.M. Mahajan, Chandigarh
The Divide is Complete (December 4), once again reminded us of the blunders committed by Nehru and company. In the background of a ‘great nationalist movement’, their opportunistic mentalities worked towards individual interest. Those who fought for their individual supremacy were the role models of ‘free’ India. Narrow-minded and dualistic leaders can’t make a stable movement—even after 50 long years of Independence, we are still paying a price for our so-called ‘glorious leadership’. Jinnah’s zeal was an outcome of Nehru’s ambition. Even today, the common people of both countries are paying for their ambitious leaders’ military strategies.
S. Bhattacharya, Varanasi
It is interesting and rather amusing to see Outlook, of all magazines, jumping onto the Sonia bandwagon (The Hand that Rocks the Congress, December 4). Have the authors measured the depth of opinions which they have collected and displayed graphically? Those whose views have been published were asked only about Bofors. Were they asked about the St Kitts’ case, in which P.V. Narasimha Rao was only an agent? This case, which is today one of the trump cards in the hands of the isolated Rao lobby, is in fact reminiscent of the middle ages when monarchs engaged assassins to liquidate those who had served their purpose or failed to achieve the task assigned. Those who gave opinions were probably not made aware that Sheila Kaul and Satish Sharma, whose actions as ministers have rocked the nation were also the proteges of the royal family, entering the Lok Sabha through the prestigious constituencies of Rae Bareilli and Amethi, close preserves of the Gandhi family.
Naval Kishore, Delhi
Sonia is proving to be the lock of unity for the Congress. The box on Priyanka and her association with Robert Wadehra was interesting. But Sonia has to be careful about her daughter’s associates, since the man she’ll marry is also likely to play a role in India’s politics.
A.K. Sah, Faizabad
Apropos The Kesri Manoeuvre (December 4), with the sacking of three pro-Rao loyalists and the gradual marginalisation of Rao, his ostracisation is complete. Thanks to the scandals against him, Rao has put everyone in the opposite camp. And Kesri has struck the iron while it’s still hot. Sonia’s silence that earlier seemed enigmatic, has now crystallised. With his move to bring old dissidents back into the party fold, Kesri’s time to call the shots has come.
Subhashis Ray, Rourkela
Robin Cook’s statements (So What’s Cooking?, December 4), were highly irresponsible and uncalled for. At a time when normalcy is slowly returning to Kashmir, it is wrong on Cook’s part to fish in troubled waters, and worsen matters, through such statements. I think it would be better if the shadow foreign secretary devises plans to solve the problems in Ireland than to meddle in the internal affairs of India.
Anil P., Bangalore
Misdirected!
Vinod Mehta, in his Delhi Diary (December 4), says that it was a good idea for the second lady (Mrs Deve Gowda) to visit the Niagara Falls from Harare (and Rome?). Where does he think the Niagara Falls are?
S.M. Murshed, Calcutta
Vinod Mehta writes: Grateful for the correction. It should be Victoria Falls.
The spread of naxalism (Inside the PWG, December 18) can be attributed to the growing disenchantment of the tribals with the political parties, who have used them as votebanks and never bothered to look into their various problems. Exploitation, unemployment, poverty and poor living conditions have attracted the tribals to the PWG, not Mao or Marx.
Jnena Bharati, Bangalore
I would like to give my warmest greetings to Out -look for the fine expose of the PWG way of life. It looks like the recent film Hindustani quite suits their modus operandi. True, corruption needs to be rooted out. And there is the idea that a people’s war will purge India of corruption. But I ask: when power is bestowed on man, history has seen more of its misuse than use. So a people’s war can only lead to dictatorship, anarchy and total chaos. The PWG should remember this.
Zakir Hussain, Bangalore
This refers to the article The Birth of the Third Force (December 4). Imran Khan, (who cricket lovers fondly refer to as King Khan), as presumed has joined politics and just six months back founded his political party, Tehrik-e-Insaaf. After the removal of Benazir Bhutto from the prime ministership, the Pakistani electorate is counting on Imran as the next Prime Minister of Pakistan with the hope that he will be able to give them a government fair in administration and free of corruption. However, even if Imran with some of his eminent candidates wins, he will still not have absolute majority and will need a coalition. This means that there still will be conflicting opinions in Indo-Pak relations. There is also the army and bureaucracy. Can Imran, if he is chosen prime minister, rise above these and tie a knot of friendship with India to encourage peaceful coexistence?
Nirmalendu Chakraborty, Coochbehar, West Bengal
Now that the dust has settled after the Miss World extravaganza, here’s an opportunity for Bangalore city to host another international event—the World Motocross Championship.
The city’s roads provide world class facilities for holding such events—unmarked speed breakers, unexpected pot holes, slushy craters, freshly dug roads, hastily covered ditches and so on. With worldwide television coverage of the Motocross championships, the city will attract more tourists who will marvel at the international standards of the dirt-tracks that pass for roads. Any takers?
Sharath Ahuja, Bangalore
