Unnecessary row

Mr Jaswant Singh’s book represents his individual views and is not a verdict. Perhaps he has tapped certain sources that escaped the attention of earlier writers. However, it is needless to raise controversies. Instead, we should treat his book as an academic exercise.

Mr Singh is a veteran politician and not a historian. Only an in-depth study and keen research into a subject can enable one to become an authority. Besides, whether Jinnah was communal or secular has no relevance to India’s present-day polity.

A B KOHLI, New Delhi

II

The expulsion of Mr Jaswant Singh is not just. The BJP is an important opposition party and must act responsibly and rationally.

It is an open secret that partition was the brainchild of the British. Instead of wasting its energy on bygone issues, the BJP must focus upon serious problems like soaring prices, the nation’s security and the menace of corruption.

ONKAR SINGH KANWAR, Jaswan, Kangra

III

The BJP leaders always take pride in saying that their party is quite different from other political parties. The manner in which Mr Jaswant Singh has been expelled from the party justifies this claim.

His expulsion reinforces the party’s mindset and vision that cannot go beyond hatred for minorities and exposes its basic anti-democratic nature. The party has challenged the fundamental right of a citizen to express his views.

Dr M H KIDWAI, Former MP, New Delhi

Advani’s misconduct

The editorial “You did it, Mr Advani: Jaswant points accusing finger at him” (Aug 31) aptly delivered a damning indictment of Mr L K Advani’s political chicanery.

His conduct is unbecoming of a public figure of his stature. If the iron man has nothing to hide, he must have the courage to reply to Mr Jaswant Singh’s charges. The silence may be golden and desirable but not always and not when political career and prestige are at stake.

Mr Advani, therefore, must come clean on Mr Singh’s allegations or call it a day. The Indian democracy needs an opposition party led by a credible leader.

HEMA, Langeri, Hoshiarpur

II

Mr Jaswant Singh’s outburst cannot be taken on face value. Why did he remain silent all this while? Was it because he was enjoying the fruits of power in the NDA government? In his previous book, too, he talked of a mole in the PMO but was unable to disclose the name.                         

Moreover, Jinnah may not be solely responsible for the Partition of India but he definitely played into the hands of the British. The role played by other leaders might have been contributory factors in Partition but putting Jinnah on a pedestal is uncalled for.

SUBHASH CHANDER SHARMA, Panchkula

Equip children

Education, the primary key to economic growth, has been the hardest hit. Our youth have been devoid of proper education. All they have are shallow certificates that cannot become the gateway to prosperity.

We can compete with the world only if our politicians are committed towards social causes. Our polity is completely lacking and has no vision for the future. Our most valuable possessions are our children who must be shaped and trained to become the best in the world.

BHUPINDER SINGH, MANN, Former MP (via e-mail)

Empower daughters

Female foeticide cannot be tackled by hounding medical practitioners. I do not seek to condone the role of the medical fraternity.

However, it must be noted that while we can stop medical technology from determining the sex of the foetus, no law can instil love for daughters. The Indian obsession for a male child is centuries old.

The solution lies in compulsory education for girls. An educated daughter can be a breadwinner. Make daughters financially independent so that they do not suffer injustice.