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

SAD, BJP promise just an election gimmick

I strongly feel that the announcement of the SAD-BJP government for “a complete transformation” of the state by putting all the development projects on fast track is an election gimmick and has nothing to do with the real development of the state. The government wants to befool the people with promises ahead of elections (editorial, “Fast-tracking projects”, Jan 4).

Nitish Kumar’s landslide victory in the Bihar Assembly polls has proved that in the long run only the politics of development pays. I doubt if the government, which did not do anything for the last four years can really succeed in its development agenda in just one year.

I think Nitish Kumar has set an excellent example before the politicians of Punjab. They must really embark on the journey for the development of the state rather than making rosy announcements which are impossible to fulfil. The people of Punjab want all around development. If any politician succeeds in this endeavour, he is going to stay in power that is for sure.

Dr VITULL K GUPTA Bathinda

Stop agitations

The violent clash between two groups of people at Bhikhi due to certain remarks has not only put an extra tax burden on the public but has also hurt the sentiments of some people (editorial. “Politics of agitation”, Jan 3). No religion teaches intolerance or anger. Every person irrespective of his sect/religion must understand clearly that he is not above the law. No one has a right to force society to suffer because of one’s personal belief.

SUNAINA, Chandigarh

Indigenous research

The Prime Minister has rendered pertinent advice at an appropriate time (news report, “PM asks scientists to think out of box”, Jan 4). Scientists of independent India are engaged in research on instruments purchased at high costs and are content with endorsing the findings/theories of western science. Science does not mean procurement of expensive equipment only. It is time Indian scientists came out from the influence of western science and thought of indigenous research.

BRIJESH BARTHWAL, Chandigarh

Bofors again

What an irony for the UPA? (news report, “Bofors ghosts haunts Cong again”, Jan 4). When the UPA government is under pressure from various quarters just at that moment Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal’s (ITAT) judgement that a commission of Rs 32.66 crore was paid to late Win Chaddha, and Rs 8.57 crore was paid to Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi surely gives the Opposition fresh ammunition to train their guns against the UPA.

Though this revenue assessment was based on an FIR, one thing is sure that the Bofor’s ghost will haunt the UPA again. Interestingly this is the only kick-back investigation which has reportedly cost the exchequer Rs.2.5 billion.. To the BJP, l’affaire Quattrocchi is more important that getting to the truth.

BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE,Faridabad

Expedite 2G probe

To the editorial “Put an end to acrimony: Time to get on with the 2G probe” (Jan 4), I would like to add that no one should doubt Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s honest intentions. No political party should try to obtain political mileage resorting to delay tactics and should try to resolve the deadlock in this case. Dr Singh is ready to appear before the PAC and his offer should be respected and availed.

New precedent will also help achieve more transparency in governance. The urgent requirement is to finish the probe, fix the culprits and recover the money. Parliamentarians should realise that the trust reposed by the people in them will be fulfilled only if they strive to build a progressive and happy nation.

SHARDA BHARGAV, Jalandhar

Unsuitable gateway design The department of architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has done well to extend the scope of its academic activities to practical design solutions for beautification of the city (news report, “Grand gateways for holy city soon”, Dec 29). However, the use of the truncated dome of Sri Harmandar Sahib in the design of the prototype gateway is a travesty of professional ethics, if not downright sacrilege. The elliptical dome of the holiest of holy shrine is unique in terms of its use and time. Symbolising as it does ‘humility’, which is the cardinal principle of the Sikh faith, it must not be misused. Gateways are a legacy of Roman Triumphal Arches, which were a key means of presenting achievements and commemorating historic events. We have the Gateway of India in Mumbai, the India Gate in Delhi and the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri performing the stated functions. I appeal to the Punjab Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to look for alternative designs based on the Gobindgarh Fort and gates of the walled city. A standing committee of an architect, art historian, and a scholar of Sikhism should be appointed to advise the government on such sensitive matters which involve the religious sentiments of innumerable people — to prevent political enthusiasm from becoming societal disservice. Dr SS BHATTI, former Principal, Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh