Opinion Capability proved

The growth of a state should be judged by facts and figures and not by statements from political quarters. No doubt Gujarat is ahead on overall growth vis-à-vis other states.

January 21, 2009 11:48 PM IST First published on: Jan 21, 2009 at 11:48 PM IST

This refers to ‘The ‘new’ Narendrabhai’ (IE,January 19). The growth of a state should be judged by facts and figures and not by statements from political quarters. No doubt Gujarat is ahead on overall growth vis-à-vis other states. The recent MoU signed in Gujarat serves to enhance Modi’s capability and investors’ faith in him. But it benefits all of India and is not limited to Gujarat. Modi has set a new standard in development for other CMs to follow. We should not question his political ability at the national level.

— Saumya Brata Panda

Noida

Two options

The recommendation of Narendra Modi as the future PM by a few industrialists is a mere reflection of their business interests,which they have traditionally placed above their political beliefs. For the rest of the country there is a larger issue. When good governance and secular practices do not co-exist,what is the better alternative? The options are a UP or Bihar model led by secular leaders where poverty and unemployment rage. Or a Gujarat model where a politically suspect government generates economic progress that leads to employment,rural electrification and water supply.

— Y.G. Chouksey

Pune

Favouring India

This refers to C. Raja Mohan’s ‘Our Obama moment’ (IE,January 20). There is no doubt that the US stance has changed significantly over time and it is Pakistan that should be complaining about the US favouring India. It is equally true that India by itself is hardly in a position to influence Pakistani policies. Therefore,any support from other powers need not be spurned. But it is premature to assume that India’s strategic interests will coincide with US aims in the subcontinent as the latter is caught in a dangerous situation in Afghanistan.

— J.M. Manchanda

New Delhi

Tread carefully

This refers to ‘Pak informs India of action taken over 26/11’ (IE,January 16). David Miliband’s “advice” to the government of India on its attitude towards Pakistan helped to lower the pressure on the government of Pakistan. The “action”,which has supposedly been taken,should be evaluated very carefully. We should ensure that our intelligence gathering and investigation have been exhausted before taking any action. It is after verifying the Pakistani claim that we should suitably fashion our response. Insincere moves by Pakistan should be rejected,but verified sincere moves should be welcomed.

— R.J. Khurana

Bhopal

Macabre dance

This refers to Vinay Sitapati’s ‘Fog of War’ (IE,January 20). Studying the Binayak Sen affair is an exercise in understanding the macabre merry-go-round our institutions play. Popular opinion too seems to live in denial about the atrocities of Salwa Judum. Our courts and police seem to believe in what Donald Rumsfeld said,“Absence of proof is not proof of absence.”

— Sree Harsha R.

Pune