Editor,
The NDA led by the BJP and the Opposition have lessons to learn from the by-poll results. A little bit of overconfidence and assertiveness regarding the handling and meddling up of the economy has clearly jolted the strong NDA juggernaut. The results were not like what the NDA expected. They have to urgently stitch up the tears as the results obviously shows that the voters are keenly observing the movements of the government. The ruling party will have to fulfill the hopes and promises given by them to the people, on a war footing. They ought to prove that the strong leadership at the helm is ready to serve the people. As for the Opposition a strong helmsman is the need of the hour. The by poll results, especially in Haryana, shows that people are ready to support an alternative rule if they find the Opposition united and ready to voice for the people. The by-poll results also show that the voters are no more the ones who were gullible, easy-to- be exploited type and a could- be- beguiled lot but have taken to serious thinking before casting the vote. The “cliff hanger” in Haryana and the “neck to neck” competition in Maharashtra shows this. Voters have started to show their likes and dislikes and that too diligently while choosing their candidate.
Yours etc.,
M Pradyu,
Kannur
Turkey’s wily stance
Editor,
With many incongruous aspects being inherent in the US-Turkey relationship, the US still wants to keep Turkey on its side though what weighs more as the deciding factor that pleases the US is not known to the world. Turkey is a rogue nation more dangerous than N. Korea considering the aggressive policy being pursued by its rulers. The present President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been trying to re-create Turkey as a new Ottoman imperial power. He feels no allegiance to Western-style democracy. Turkey opposes, if not detests, almost every American ally in the region and befriends almost every US enemy. The Turkish forces are even attacking and bombing the Kurds who have been at the forefront of fighting the IS and the Turkey government works against the pro-American Sisi regime in Egypt. Moreover, Turkish violations of Greek airspace in the Aegean are a common occurrence. It has frightened and alienated most NATO allies. Evidently, Turkey is working hand in glove with the Islamic State as it has been buying oil from the cash-strapped IS.
One of the reasons for America’s intention to keep this nation on its side could be Turkey’s strategic location vis-a-vis its proximity with Russia and a host of other nations in Europe and in Asia. But in the recent developments that have seen the emergence of a strong alliance among the countries like Turkey, Pakistan and Malaysia, India has to tread cautiously in the international affairs especially dealing with these nations. What causes us to shudder is the unhealthy bonhomie among them, which is solely based on their religion and not on other factors. So, whatever crimes Pakistan commits on India will be whitewashed by these allies at the international platforms.
Today, this ensures that despite incontrovertible evidence to prove Pakistan’s complicity in the terror industry, Turkey has provided yeoman service to it by routinely bailing it out from getting blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pursuant to such reciprocal gratification, Pakistan offered the rare succour to Turkey in its offensive in northern Syria against the Kurdish forces, with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan unequivocally telling Erdogan, “Pakistan stands in full support and solidarity with Turkey.” It may be recalled that India was deeply concerned over the unilateral military offensive by Turkey. In many ways, the Turkish and Pakistani narratives are eerily similar with their restive, uneasy and interdependent moorings with the US.
In the emerging scenario where polarization of anti-India lobbies are gathering strength, India has to play a more neutral role in the international arena to single out these countries while at home India needs to study a lot and do enough homework to take on these countries strategically. Surely, slow and steady wins the race.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email
Good move by India Post
Editor,
The recent robust technological improvements by Department of Posts into Banking through the launch of India Post Payments Bank (“IPPB”) is welcome. The move to commence banking operations under India Post’s IPPB brand is very helpful for customers based in rural areas as also facilitating easy banking process to the urban customers. Further the bank’s online registration process mandates only single account holders to enroll and enjoy the benefits of app based banking facility. While otherwise the facility of IPPB mobile app based banking is not extended to the customers holding a Joint Account under Savings scheme. Due to such limitations the Joint Account holders can only avail the facility of Internet banking services but without enjoying the benefit of IPPB’s app based mobile banking facility. (both of which can be interlinked)
Thus there is now an urgent need to enable the facility of app based mobile banking to the customers with Joint Accounts under savings scheme also. The Joint Account holders presently need to mandatorily visit the post office branch to carry out financial and banking transactions, which is a manual process in the absence of an app based mobile banking facility. The suggested move by RBI and India Post/IPPB will thus enable seamless access to the customer’s banking accounts through app based mobile banking application and thus encourage the customers to use the facility of online banking extensively. It will further help ensure these institutions to inch closer their goal of financial inclusion too.
Yours etc.,
Varun Dambal
Bangalore – 72