Editor,
The recent statements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which tantamount to profanity and were directed at late Rajiv Gandhi have created quite a negative image of the country’s leader. Mr Modi had at an election rally, called the late former PM as the number one corrupt person. This is totally uncalled for and condemnable. Notwithstanding the fact that during the election season candidates like the Prime Minister who have had gruelling schedules tend to become tired and frustrated and let fly baseless accusations right and left but stooping to the lowest standards of public debate is really not acceptable especially for a person holding a high constitutional office.
In fact, the BJP should know that when the Kargil War happened it was the very Swiss made Bofors artillery guns that threw off the invading Pakistani elements, and every time soldiers would shout in unison praising the Bofors which were procured during the time of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Mr Modi should learn political decorum and say what he has to say about his own party and his achievements without wasting too much time speaking about his opponents. That is a sure sign of insecurity and it is not what democracy is all about.
Yours etc.,
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong:
Is Modi dividing India?
Editor,
The election rhetoric across the country reeks of a divisive agenda. The Times Magazine which is widely read has in its May 20 issue termed Prime Minister, Modi as, “India’s Divider in Chief.” India is today deeply divided along ideology (Right Wing) and religion (Hindus versus the rest). Every conversation on social media revolves around the issue of whether Modi and the BJP would return to power on May 23. And if not Modi then who? The average Indian with a desire for a diversity and tolerance is wary about Modi’s second term. They feel that most institutions are today run by people hand-picked by the RSS and are now in the hands of illiberal right wingers. But apart from ideology, the 5-year Modi Government has not been able to do much in terms of creating jobs. Why, many people have even lost jobs after demonetization. The GST is still facing teething problems. While Modi speaks of digitisation and online financial transactions, a recent study has shown that the number of people filling income tax forms online has reduced substantially. The employment statistics in the country has been changed or manipulated in order to hide the truth.
Religious minorities live in fear of the growing intolerance expressed by BJP leaders from time to time in their election speeches and at other platforms. What is worse is that a terror accused Sadhvi is being put up as a candidate from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh even before she has been acquitted by the court of law. India chose to be a secular country; not a theocratic one. This was decided at the time when the Constitution was written after years of debate by the great minds of the country. So why is the BJP making it sound as if India made a mistake by choosing to remain secular? In fact religion should have nothing to do with governance and development.
Most Indians today find themselves at the cross-roads because they are forced to vote against one political party by choosing to vote for another simply because they have lost faith in the former. However, the mahagathbandhan of non-BJP parties too does not inspire confidence. We are left with the choice of Mamata Banerjee or Mayawati as Prime Minister and both are, according to me highly unpredictable. I am saying this with responsibility and not because both are women. So India has reached a very critical point in its political journey and this will be an election that is difficult to predict. The political players are unsure of their victory hence they are indulging in the worst form of mudslinging, unheard of before and raking up issues that are no longer relevant except to tarnish a person who is dead and gone. Is this why we are having an election? Isn’t it a waste of resources that we focus on non-issues while ignoring those issues that matter to us such as better health care, education and yes employment creation and addressing the farm crisis but not by giving out doles?
We will finally get the government we deserve so I guess our choice will reflect our own mindsets.
Yours etc.,
Khrawborlang Marbaniang
Via email
Self-correctiona prerequisitefor leaders
Editor,
If you want to get the worst out of a person just provoke him. Even a child might get a good slap from the mother if it provokes her continuously. I believe it was such provocation by Rahul Gandhi that finally drove PM Modi round the bend and because of which he uttered the deadly slur against his father, the former PM Rajiv Gandhi. Naturally, PM Modi’s corruption charges against Rajiv Gandhi has literally upset many. Yes, hundreds of lies were overlooked but one truth (or untruth) by PM Modi has jolted many people. Now they are on the job! This itself shows something is amiss in the nation.
In the first place, why does Rahul have to indulge in such mudslinging ceaselessly? Is this a desirable characteristic of an aspiring Prime Minister who continuously harps on things that are seemingly cooked up? Why does he have to take the path of deceits and lies to achieve the top goal? Are all citizens foolish that they can consider one as their PM whose propriety is questionable? Just the other day Rahul Gandhi clearly told a newsmagazine that his only one and only mission is to malign and knock down PM Modi. One wonders how his party people and o the rs can agree with the outrageously bitter attitude of their leader. The Supreme Court has also pulled him up and he has no option but to unconditionally apologize.
I believe alll eaders should first put sincere efforts to build a pleasant persona before stepping out for a mission .The ambition to become great must be fortified by the four wheels of virtue ssuch as truth fulness,dedication, patience, andhumility. Let the crown of Prime Minister-ship (orleadership) be claimed by a person who really has avision for the nation,respect for its values andstands upright for itsintegrity and sovereignty.
Yours etc.
,Salil Gewali,Via ema