Editor,
I don’t agree with the views expressed by Salil Gewali in his letter dated March 21, 2023 (Rahul Gandhi Scripts the Congress Downfall). While at no point has Rahul Gandhi himself or any other politician explicitly portrayed the former as a future Prime Minister of India, it is also true that Rahul Gandhi is the only politician from Opposition ranks that can challenge the aura of invincibility of Narendra Modi. Mr Gandhi is one face whose popularity and reach far outstrips that of a Pilot or a Tharoor. “Bharat Jodo Yatra,” may not be the magic wand to revive the Congress but did it not galvanize the party workers and ordinary citizens of this country that still values secularism and co-existence by respecting the cultures, languages and customs of various communities?
We all know how the small states in the North East vote. Bereft of any significant natural resources and with natural constraints such as topography that limits economic development, we tend to vote for the party which is in power at the centre. BJP gradually got a stranglehold in the North East as the Congress went out of power at Centre. I am sure if Congress was in power at the Centre, the NPP would have allied with the Congress instead of the BJP who as NPP supremo Conrad Sangma correctly predicted would not get more than 2 seats in Meghalaya Assembly Elections 2023. Congress may be weak but it is not dead. BJP came to power in Manipur in 2017 after coercing other parties to an alliance even though it was the Congress under O. Ibobi Singh which won the maximum seats. In Nagaland, the BJP is playing second fiddle to NDDP. So, it is not that the Congress support base has vanished overnight. BJP lost Himachal Pradesh. Yet they keep on claiming that it is Rahul Gandhi who is losing elections. People know how the MVA government in Maharashtra was brought down through unethical political moves. Recently, the BJP lost bye-elections in Maharashtra in areas it considered its stronghold.
Instead of dismissing Rahul Gandhi’s statement in England as thoughtless and detrimental to the image of the nation, one would be better off by pondering as to why he made those remarks. Gandhi was not speaking ill of his parents or ancestors. Rather he was speaking his mind on what ails the country. The mere fact of speaking one’s mind is being interpreted as being anti-national cannot be a justification for asking Rahul Gnadhi to apologise and for holding the Parliament to ransom. PM Modi himself has spoken ill of the country in foreign shores on numerous occasions. He claimed that Indians are ashamed of being Indians. In another instance, he said that Indians ask themselves what they did in their previous lives to be punished with a life in India now. Who will ask Modi to apologize?
Since 2014 the country may have built more airports, better roads, and constructed more medical and engineering colleges, but the country has also seen a rise in attacks on the very fabric of this secular and democratic country. Countless instances of vigilante groups thrashing people carrying cattle which is nothing but intolerance towards the culture of other religions. Beef ban was not successful at least in the Christian dominated NE states. Who will counter Mohan Bhagwat’s claim that all Khasis are Hindus? What are Mr Gewali’s thoughts on the IT raids that befell BBC soon after it had released a documentary on Modi? It is known that the then PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was convinced by L.K. Advani not to sack Modi who was the then CM of Gujarat. Instead of targeting Rahul Gandhi for raising some pertinent points albeit in a foreign land, one must ask why UCC is being planned to be implemented in a country as diverse as ours, forgetting that our country is not only a union of states but also an amalgamation of different religions, cultures, customs and that diversity is unity. Economic development at the cost of social disharmony is no development at all.
Patricia Mukhim’s article, “Analysing the Congress and its revival prospects” on the other hand is insightful indeed. The tone and tenor of the words lean more towards concern, that the party that once dominated India’s politics is on the wane and a cautious optimism, that Congress may emerge stronger and give us a vibrant democracy which is impossible without a strong opposition party. Mukhim is not dismissive of the Congress and no one should be either.
Yours etc.,
Khomdram Lalal Singh,
Shillong-1
Kudos for prompt action to prevent sand mining
Editor,
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the Meghalaya Government’s swift and resolute action in detecting and addressing the illegal sand mining activities in the Manda River, North Garo Hills The recent revelation that a road construction company was involved in this illegal activity is deeply concerning and highlights the need for urgent action to prevent ecological imbalance and potential disasters in our hilly areas.
As a nature lover and responsible citizen, I am grateful to the Meghalaya Government officials for their unwavering commitment to environmental protection. Your tireless efforts in upholding the laws and regulations related to illegal sand mining are commendable. Your vigilance and dedication in safeguarding the delicate balance of our ecosystem in hilly regions are truly inspiring.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for your prompt and decisive action in holding those responsible accountable. Your efforts in detecting and addressing illegal sand mining are crucial in preserving the natural beauty and resources of Meghalaya for future generations. Your commitment to protecting our hilly areas at any cost is commendable and deserving of praise.
Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Meghalaya Government for your relentless efforts in safeguarding the interests of our state and its people. Your dedication to environmental protection serves as an exemplary model for others to follow. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to preserving the ecological balance and preventing disasters in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Sadananda Heggadal Math
Bengaluru
‘Railway as Bogeyman’
Editor,
The editorial piece mentioned above drew my attention towards the necessity of extension of railway line to the state of Meghalaya, especially the capital city, Shillong. In fact, I would like to point out the few advantages of having the railways in our state. That the railways are more efficient as a public transport system besides cargo will help reduce the traffic congestion in Shillong to a huge extent. Why would I drive my vehicle to Shillong adding to the daily traffic chaos if I can avail cheap and efficient transport systems like the railways and arrive at my intended destination on time ? This will be the same for other people who plan to visit the state capital for work or leisure and this in turn will help reduce traffic congestion in the city. Besides, it’s a cheaper transport alternative for passengers and goods which ultimately benefit the common man. If the state government is really serious about improving the economy of the poor then introduction of railways to the capital city is imperative.
Availability of rail connectivity to different district headquarters of the state will definitely improve the livelihoods and economy of the common citizens of the state. Besides it will help ease the traffic congestion caused by overloaded trucks as well as reduce the carbon footprint due to the burning of fossil fuels, not to mention the reduced environmental pollution.
Rail connectivity will help address the issue of unemployment of the local youth, as mentioned in your editorial it will also greatly benefit the farmers in transportation of their goods at cheaper rates. That the arrival of the railways will definitely have direct and indirect benefit to the common citizens is a foregone conclusion.
Yours etc.,
Stanley LK Diengdoh,
Umsning,
Ri Bhoi District