Opinion Letters to the editor: A masterstroke

Presently, our relationships with all our immediate neighbours are strained.

May 23, 2014 12:02 AM IST First published on: May 23, 2014 at 12:02 AM IST

This refers to ‘Modi reaches out to neighbours’ (IE, May 22). Prime minister designate Narendra Modi’s masterstroke — inviting leaders of important foreign countries to attend his swearing-in ceremony — proves that his administration means business and that he is willing to work with an open mind. Presently, our relationships with all our immediate neighbours are strained. This is a major hindrance to our economic growth. In the meanwhile, other countries are building strong alliances, causing the balance of power to shift. The coming together of China and Russia is just one such example. This manoeuvre of the incoming BJP government speaks volumes about its maturity.

Ashok K. Ashu
Patiala

No fear or favour

This refers to ‘Outgoing ministers, MPs still packing up, hotel rooms being booked for incoming’ (IE, May 22). It is hoped that the incoming Narendra Modi government will be able to evict from their official accommodation all former ministers and MPs who are no longer eligible for government housing. In doing so, the Modi administration will be doing a great service to the nation and to taxpayers. No exceptions or extensions should be granted in this respect. The rules should be followed to the letter.

V. Chandramohan
Mumbai

Nobody’s listening

This refers to the editorial ‘Time to reset’ (IE, May 22). I fully endorse your advice to the AAP. However, there is little evidence to indicate there are takers for this advice in the party itself. Most AAP members seem preoccupied with their strategy to stage street theatre in order to grab eyeballs and headlines. They don’t seem to mind if, in the process, they are seen as challenging the very law and Constitution by which they swear. It is sad that, not very long ago, the party was spot-on in its articulation of public anger with a regime widely seen as insensitive, inefficient and unresponsive. It had the adoring support of the public. It may be difficult to find another party that could fritter away such support and goodwill more swiftly.

Naren N. Joshi
Gurgaon

To project itself as a responsible and level-headed party, the AAP needs to avoid acting in haste. There is very little room for more errors. More importantly, the AAP should not bite off more than it can chew, as it did in the general elections. The party fielded more candidates for the Lok Sabha elections than the BJP or the Congress. Whatever its political strategy, winning elections should be a long-run goal. Mindless hurry to achieve this goal might be counter productive.

Hema
Langeri