Editor,
The results of the recently concluded assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana turned out to be a low-key affair owing to the parties inability to gain a single majority to form the government. The outcome of the elections created a damp squib amongst the voters amidst the possibility of a hung assembly in both the states. The election results thus signifies that even major national parties will struggle to get a foothold in the states while contesting closely with regional parties, even with the key alliance partners.
The over hyped shadow of the recently concluded General Elections further put BJP to stay afloat in the contest only due an alliance in both the states amidst the fear of a hung assembly. Of late, the trend of regional parties to set a surprise comeback in assembly polls is emerging. Obtaining a clear majority today remains a challenge even for popular national parties. The voters on the other hand remain elusive about seat sharing arrangements. They only look forward to see the government machinery return to its work of governance at the earliest.
The leading national parties and regional parties thus need to frame a strong framework aided by achievable manifesto at the regional level. Polling campaigns should extensively focus on voters as a priority and then form a post-poll strategy at the earliest, irrespective of alliance arrangement- only to help ensure for better governance for 5 years.
Yours etc.,
Varun Dambal,
Bangalore – 72
Is this the endof IS?
Editor,
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a commando raid in Syria this weekend had targeted and resulted in the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the founder and leader of the Islamic State. Trump said, “Last night, the United States brought the world’s No. 1 terrorist leader to justice. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead.” Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi aged 48 was the son of a shepherd and was arrested by occupation American forces in 2004 and emerged radicalized from 11 months of captivity and came to assemble a potent terrorist force that overtook al Qaeda. He promoted a virulent form of Islam and at one point controlled a swathe of territory, the size of Britain.
Dreaded founder’s dramatic end came when the American military dogs chased him to the end of a tunnel where he was seen whimpering and crying and screaming all the way. Accompanied by three children, Al-Baghdadi then detonated a suicide vest, blowing himself and the children up. Thus an intense violent era in the field of terrorism across the world having been stoked and nursed by al-Baghdadi has come to an end.
With the death of its founder, the Islamic State has become leaderless and rudderless. This is an occasion for all the Islamic countries to stop giving aid to the Islamic State (IS). Without liberal aid to the IS from Islamic countries, it cannot survive. From its inception itself, IS had unleashed a reign of terror across the world and thousands of innocent people were killed in the past by them. Nobody wants the IS except certain vested interests. So, once aids stop flowing in, it will naturally wither away to the relief of the world.
There are some Islamic countries like Turkey and Pakistan which certainly do mourn the death of this dreaded terrorist. But while mourning they are conveying to the world a message that they will continue to conspire and extend their support to the next leader who will take on the world with a vengeance.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email
Befitting tribute
Editor,
It is heartening to know that scientists at the Natural History Museum in London have officially named a new species of a beetle, Nelloptodes Gretae after the name of the very popular Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg who became a global sensation for her awareness campaign on climate change. Her outstanding contribution in raising awareness of climate change worldwide even got her a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize this year. The newly discovered insect will henceforth be called Nelloptodes Gretae as an honour to the young environmentalist.
According to Dr Michael Darby, a scientific associate at the Natural History Museum, Greta’s name was chosen as the scientists were immensely impressed with the work of the young campaigner and they wanted to acknowledge her outstanding contribution in raising awareness of environmental issues.The beetle was first found in 1965 by British naturalist Dr William C Block in Nairobi, Kenya. According to Dr Max Barclay, senior curator at the Natural History Museum, the name of this beetle was particularly poignant since it was likely that undiscovered species were being lost all the time, before scientists even named them, because of biodiversity loss and so it was appropriate to name one of the newest discoveries after someone who worked so hard to champion the natural world and protect vulnerable species.
Greta Thunberg is indeed a role model and an inspiration for today’s youngsters.
Yours etc.,
M Pradyu,
Kannur