M A I L B A G

Bansi Lal was indeed a Vikas Purush

The editorial “Legacy of Bansi Lal” (March 30) succinctly brought out the achievements of the departed leader. It was a deft portrait, warts and all, of this great son of Haryana whose public career spanned four decades. The editorial aptly called Bansi Lal Vikas Purush. He symbolised the rise of grassroots political leadership from marginalised areas of the country. He understood their problems, felt their angst. When he got a chance as Chief Minister, he set about spreading the network of roads, irrigation canals and electricity to cover the impoverished areas adjacent to Rajasthan which were in the grip of desertification.

Bansi Lal was like a man possessed, single-mindedly pursuing his vision, cutting bureaucratic red tape and apathy. The vast network of lift irrigation canals, unique in the country, greening southern Haryana are a living tribute to his bold initiatives and drive. He changed the face of the earth in that part, for good.

RAM VARMA, Former Chief Secretary, Haryana, Panchkula

II

The editorial rightly called Bansi Lal Haryana’s Vikash Purush. At first he was known as Vikas Yodha, but his role during the Emergency and forced sterilisation programme affected his image. The inter-district mass transfer of teachers during his tenure also caused inconvenience to teachers.

I lauded him as Madya Nishedh Yodha for his contribution towards prohibition, but the liquor mafia cheated him. Subsequently, he had to lift prohibition. It was on his promise to enforce prohibition that he was made Chief Minister in 1996, but he failed to enforce it.

Prof HARI SINGH, Kheri Jat (Jhajjar)

III

Bansi Lal was called the Vikas Purush as he believed in development through hard work. He is known to have taken many unpleasant decisions for Haryana’s betterment. Bansi Lal provided electricity to the state. He also strengthened the road infrastructure in the state.

He was very close to Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi. He remained loyal to both. The sudden death of his son Surinder Singh adversely affected his health and his political calculations. May his soul rest in piece!

SUBASH C. TANEJA, Rohtak

IV

With the demise Bansi Lal, Haryana has lost the second member of its famous trio of ‘Lals’. It was Bansi Lal’s leadership which made Haryana a global state. He committed himself to the development of the state, providing electricity to every village and creating a network of roads in Haryana.

VIRAT AMARNATH, Chandigarh

V

Death is the ultimate destiny of man, but statesmen like Bansi Lal will always be remembered by the people for the good work they have done. He was indeed a man of action. He was reputed for being honest, simplistic, plain speaking and straightforward.

Let our power hungry politicians learn a lesson or two from Bansi Lal’s political image and imbibe his qualities to serve the state and the country with devotion and dedication.

SUNDER SINGH GIANI, Dialpura (Patiala)

Let’s keep our city clean Chandigarh, the City Beautiful, is known for its greenery. All main roads of the city are lined with trees on both sides. As the autumn season is just over, all roads are full of dry leaves shed by the trees. The sweepers burn these dry leaves, causing air pollution. Sweepers alone cannot keep the city clean. The public should also chip in and supplement their efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the city. The Chandigarh Administration should observe the last week of March or first week of April as Cleanliness Week. During this week, every Chandigarhian should spend at least two hours in the morning or evening on sweeping the roads and maintaining cleanliness. Let’s dump dry leaves in pits so that they turn into manure instead of burning them. Let’s help keep our city clean. SPANDITA MALIK, Class VI- D, Sacred Heart Sr Sec School, Chandigarh