M A I L B A G

Advani makes a U-turn on Hindutva

BJP President Lal Krishna Advani has made a complete U-turn from his earlier stand of Hindutva, by calling Jinnah an ambassador of the Hindu-Muslim unity. His resignation from the BJP following protests from the Sangh Parivar for his remarks on Jinnah and the demolition of the Babri Masjid does not come as a surprise.

After its debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has been slowly and gradually coming out of the RSS’ shadow. The new and the second rung political leadership of our nation is much more secular in nature.

The politicians know that people are much more aware of the happenings and they want results, not empty promises. This will help improve the overall image of our country.

RANDEEP MAHAL, Yamunanagar

II

The discomfiture of the RSS and its associates over Mr Advani’s statements in Pakistan is understandable. The point, however, is that if in keeping with the changing atmosphere he has spoken in conciliatory tones, he has done a service to all on both sides of the border. I would call his action statesmanlike.

Those of us who have witnessed the events of pre-partition days know that much bitterness existed between the two communities and riots were common. An atmosphere of hatred had been skillfully engendered by the agents provocateur of the ruling British regime over which some misguided, ignorant persons are today drooling nostalgic.

The tensions of the times are reflected in Pakistan’s attitudes over the last 50 years. We would have had an in-built Pakistan in the Akhand Bharat dreamt of by some. So, two cheers for all three — Advani, Jinnah and Partition!

N. KHOSLA, IAS (retd), Panchkula

III

The VHP and RSS leaders have no business to call Mr Advani a “traitor” for what he said at Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum in Pakistan. He merely referred to Jinnah’s address in Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947 and hailed the address as “a forceful espousal of a secular state”. What is wrong in this?

If anyone should have any reason to be annoyed over Mr Advani’s statement, it should be the post-Jinnah rulers of Pakistan who betrayed Jinnah’s vision of Pakistan. The BJP minus communal groups like the RSS and the VHP would emerge as a secular party and could establish a support base among minorities. It would be good.

K.S. BHALLA, New Delhi

IV

This refers to Jinnah’s commendation by Mr L.K. Advani in Pakistan. Probably this statesman is suffering from amnesia. He has forgotten that he is an Indian and that he is commending a man responsible for India’s partition. Would any Pakistani praise Sardar Patel or Nehru the same way?

Does he want to break his Hinduwadi image through the extreme praise of Pakistan’s founder who sabotaged national unity?

RASHI, Chandigarh

V

Most of our present-day politicians change their colours like chameleons. Mr Advani, in doing so in Karachi, describing Jinnah as secular, put his foot in the mouth but could not chew it. Poor Advani and his definition of secularism!

Major BALDEV SINGH (retd), Ambala Cantonment

Bhattal’s aid to colleges Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal has rightly sanctioned Rs 3.35 crore to 21 unaided colleges. She has thus done a great service to the cause of women’s education in the state. Private managements run these institutions in the far-flung belts of Punjab. This financial help will go a long way in sustaining them qualitatively. Ms Bhattal has also promised to formulate a permanent policy to help these colleges annually. Prof JAGIR SINGH, Chanalon (Ropar)

Farmers’ woes

As Haryana is an agrarian state, the people bank upon power supply. About 70 per cent crops in the state are being irrigated by tube well irrigation, using electricity. Through this process, the subsoil water is being drawn up for this purpose. The lift irrigation schemes in Bhiwani, Mohindergarh, Jhajjar and Rewari districts depend upon power supply. The canal water is lifted up to a height of 500 feet.

The government says that the people do not remit power bills, especially of the tube wells. But the farmers are unable to clear the huge arrears. Both the government and the farmers should resolve the problem amicably.

DAYANAND,  Charkhi Dadri, Bhiwani

Synthetic milk

Reference the editorial “Poisonous brew” (May 24). Synthetic milk prepared with the help of urea, white paint, surf, refined oil etc., is sold in the market. Milk products such as khoya, paneer and curds are also prepared with artificial milk. Can anyone do this in broad daylight without the patronage and connivance of the doctors and the officials?

Surprisingly, I have never noticed any official checking the quality of the milk supplied by the vendors. The authorities concerned should intervene and do the needful.

R.S. BAIDWAN, Mohali