Modi’s fast

This refers to the news item, “Contrasting styles mark fasts of Modi, Vaghela” (September 19). Fast is basically a spiritual tool to purify both mind and body. It is also a great ‘weapon’ against those who in a fit of power ignore and crush the genuine demands of others. Gandhiji brilliantly used this ‘weapon’ against the mighty colonial powers and to promote communal harmony. But, what happened in Gujarat was nothing but competitive politics of two rival political parties in a bid to score brownie points and to woo the electorate.

Modi has been trying to refurbish his image, as the verdict in the Jafri case has emboldened him. He is also trying to reinvent himself to go pan-India, and to earn his acceptability as the next PM of India.

The Congress, on the other hand, is trying to gain the lost political ground.

The Union Rural Development Minister, Shri Jairam Ramesh, has rightly asked Members of Parliament to furnish details of projects/schemes executed out of MPLADS funds in their respective constituencies. This will remove the perception, real or imaginary, that these funds are not being utilized in a transparent manner.

The schemes under the MGNREGA should also be made more transparent and productive. These schemes should not be left at the mercy of local bodies, i.e. panchayats, to grant/generate employment for the rural populace. So far no initiatives have been taken either by the Government or by the MPs to place the records of the utilization of MPLADS funds in the public domain.

These schemes can bring a phenomenal change in the lives of millions of rural poor, and raise their standard of living. It will be appropriate to carry out periodic appraisal of correct and transparent utilization of MPLADS funds and MGNREGA schemes. The outcome of such an exercise should be made available in the public domain

This refers to the article, "Defending Press freedom: It should never be curtailed" (September 19) by Kuldip Nayar. It gives me pleasure that the press enjoys real freedom in our country. It is an example for the international community to emulate.

I fully support the idea that the concept of freedom of the press should never be curtailed by the government at any cost. If the freedom enjoyed by the press is suppressed, the nation cannot progress in the right direction. Such repressive methods are only practised by dictators and autocrats. An independent judiciary and a free press are signs of a progressive democracy. Though there are a few areas where the word “freedom” is misinterpreted, like the concept 
of “paid news”.

This refers to the news item, “Study shows cops in poor light” (September 8). When we were students, our teachers used ‘stick’ to discipline those who were mischievous. At the same time, teachers had a soft corner for bright students who obeyed the rules and regulations of the school. The police should also have a similar attitude in dealing with the public.

Our daughter, who lives in the US, had once slipped while crossing the road just when a car overtook her. Immediately, two cops came to her and asked if she had slipped due to the car. They said, "If you feel even a little inconvenience, you may lodge a complaint against the driver; we 
shall catch him."

She did not lodge a complaint, as there was no fault of the car. But in our country, the police harass people in the name of investigation. Our traffic cops, instead of educating people, harass them to the point that people avoid them. Perhaps a hike in their salary and a sense of morality may help change the attitude of the police in India.

K K CHAWLA, Kurukshetra