M A I L B A G

A vote for pro-poor Left parties

This has reference to H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial “Budha can smile” (May 12). The results of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam will, certainly, have a bearing on national politics. The common people of these states have undoubtedly voted for pro-poor political alliances.

This is not Mr Budhadev Bhattacharya’s personal victory but people’s win. His individual charm was not the crucial factor in West Bengal. The Left parties’ consistent and positive stand on different national issues has made them immensely popular among the poor and weaker sections.

The comrades have established a wonderful rapport with the masses by raising the issues of poverty, unemployment and the rights of women and Dalits in and out of Parliament. The Assembly election results leave a ray of hope for those who believe in democratic values. The corporate houses and parties funded by them have failed to influence the results crucially. This is the real strength of our democracy.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

II

The Left needs the Congress to modernise itself. Partnership with the Congress and parleys with the Prime Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission may bring them more in tune with the economic ideas adopted by Budha Sahib.

On the political front, alliance with the Congress can move the Left away from a blind hatred of the US. The prominent Communist leaders are hinting at a Third front consisting of Communist parties and various national groupings. This can only be thwarted by an enduring alliance between the Left and the Congress.

The Communists must strengthen their links with the pro-Left forces and Left groups and individuals in the Congress. With no real problem on the plate, the CPM stop over has a different, longer term perspective — nudging the CPM towards balancing the rising weight of the Congress.

The next step in strategic partnership through close corporation is the means to that end — support in providing a new national balance of power against the BJP.

UMED SINGH GULIA, Faridabad

III

Ironically, while the forts of Communism are falling one by one the world over, the Left is growing from strength to strength in India.

If senior Left leaders’ statements are any indication, the Left will indulge in more and more backseat driving and arm-twisting of the UPA government because its economic policies are at cross purposes with those of the Centre.

The Left will put spokes in the wheel of economic boom witnessed recently to prop up its agenda because after the Assembly elections, they are in a much stronger position to call the shots. However, the Left should be more responsible and constructive in its approach in the larger interest of the nation. Economic reforms should not be put on the backburner.

AMRIT SACHDEVA, Kaithal

Panipat cries for justice Panipat is an important town of Haryana. It is famous for its handloom industry and export houses. It contributes substantially to the state’s economic growth. However, due to administrative apathy, no care has been taken to improve its already overburdened infrastructure. The sewage system gets choked in the rainy season with water spilling out on the roads of Sector 11-12. These roads are in such a dilapidated condition that even an evening walk becomes an ordeal in itself. I appeal to the authorities to take remedial measures. SHAILESH DUTT, Panipat

Clash of dates

The examinations for recruitment of Graduate Engineer Trainees in Indian Oil Corporation Limited and of Graduate Engineer Trainees in Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited will be held on May 21. The fee for both tests is Rs 300 each. The clash of dates will deprive thousands of candidates from taking both the tests. I request the authorities concerned to reschedule the date of one of the tests.

BHAJNEET SINGH, Anandpur Sahib

Not for elders

The railway overbridges in most railway stations in the country are not user-friendly for old people. Consider the one in Bathinda. Though it is an important railway junction, the overbridge is not at all user-friendly for elders. Very often, it is very difficult for them to use the bridge and catch the train. The authorities should pay attention to this genuine problem of the elders.

O.P. SACHDEVA, Patiala