L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

YSR’s legacy: Big challenge for successor

Through the editorial “Death on the hilltop” (Sep 4) rich and moving tributes have been paid to Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Indeed, Andhra Pradesh has lost a dynamic leader who had his fingers on the pulse of the people. His untimely demise is very unfortunate. It is not only a big loss for the state and the country but for Congress too.

YSR, as he was fondly called, was a leader of the masses. His welfare schemes for the people and pro-poor policies endeared him to the masses. His success is a lesson in good governance. He will always be remembered as a powerful leader and a dynamic human being.

The editorial has rightly concluded that the balance he struck between urban and rural development was a product both of his foresight and political acumen. The welfare measures that he took up won him the gratitude and votes of people at large.

It would be a tragedy indeed if factionalism and bickering raise their head in the state Congress again. It would not be easy for his successor to live up to his legacy.

SUMAN KUKAL, Chandigarh

II

In addition to the cases cited in the editorial, may I add that there was another mishap nearly three decades back involving a VVIP flight. The plane was carrying the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The role played by the valiant Air Force pilots who laid down their lives to save the Prime Minister was exemplary. The situation was handled meticulously. Today, there is an urgent need to follow safety norms rigorously.

VINOD TULI, New Delhi

Unwanted holiday

Though one is grieved by the demise of Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, may one know the purpose, except harassment and inconvenience to those whose routine work was unnecessarily delayed, a suddenly announced public holiday in Haryana serve?

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

Judges’ assets

It is only fair that judges should start disclosing their assets. All those who are paid from the state exchequer are answerable to the public who are the real masters in a democratic set-up.

DALIP SINGH WASAN, Patiala

Keep vigil on China Kamlendra Kanwar in his article “Challenges from China“ (Sep 1) has rightly cautioned the nation to be more vigilant about the communist giant. Indeed, China will become a primary challenge to India. Our country has neither the capability nor the resolve to match China’s strength. China being an expansionist country seized Indian territory during the 1962 hostilities. Now, Beijing has asserted its territorial claim over Arunachal Pradesh. China’s huge defence expenditure and modernisation need to be monitored carefully. India has to match up Chinese preparedness through its own modernisation programme and strategic alliances. Capt SK DATTA, Abohar