But the situation in Punjab is worse because here, by misusing agencies of governance, the persons in power themselves try to imperialise business houses by crushing the competition required for a healthy growth of capitalism. This fascist form of capitalism can damage the image of India and crush the possibilities of the growth of citizens.

Vinod Shahi, via email

No probe into Cong scams

During election days, The Tribune has published an investigation into the dealings of Akali leaders, but it has forgotten to investigate scam- and corruption-filled Congress leaders and UPA government and bring forth their misdeeds. The black money of Congress leaders of Punjab also should be probed. This attitude has exposed the paper and I am afraid I will have to leave it as a reader.

SARBJIT SINGH, Ludhiana

Waiting for May 16

Never before have we witnessed such a huge participation of people, especially the youth, in elections. Politics is not boring anymore as people love discussing it at work, at home, in school or college. From a young teenager to an elderly person, all are actively involved in the electoral process. Social websites reveal large-scale participation and interest of the people. With hash tags and selfies of inked fingers, we are witnessing a new trend of politics. The elections saw the emergence of a new party as well and people had another choice, apart from the two main parties that have been ruling India for decades.

Hope the parties will fulfill the promises made this time and the people get the best government which makes India a better place to live in, with less corruption and crime. May the deserving party win. We are waiting for May 16 as this day will put an end to all speculations.

SHIVAM CHANANA, Ferozpur

No level-playing field

Does the limit of of Rs 70 lakh poll expenditure not apply to VIPs like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Narendra Modi and other leaders for whom jumbo rallies are organised almost everyday? No party is complaining to the EC against this over-expenditure. Is there an understanding among the parties to save each other on this issue? Is the EC not empowered to initiate action against them? Is there a level playing for all candidates?

Harbhajan Singh Sarwara, Rajpura

Navy at sea

Dinesh Kumar, in his assertive article “Controversial appointment put Navy at sea” (April 23) has shown how to select a pliable service chief, sinking the selection on seniority basis to the bottom of the sea. It reminds me of the case of General Thimayya, the then Army Chief who was not pulling on well with the then Defence Minister V. K. Krishna Menon. Thimayya had decided to resign with respect, rather than serve with humiliation under the arrogant Menon. But Prime Minister Nehru pleaded with Thimayya, “Timmy, I ask you to withdraw your resignation. I, as your elder and not necessarily as your Prime Minister, am requesting you to do so. I promise to restore the dignity to you and other service chiefs.” Thimayya then withdrew his resignation against the will of his daughter Mireilie.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Hamirpur

Respect flag, anthem

The National Flag and Anthem possess the unique power of igniting nationalist feelings. But it is painful to note that the flag is not being given the honour and respect it deserves and the National Anthem is slowly fading as schools and colleges have failed to include it in their daily routine. It is shameful that most youngsters cannot sing or recite the full National Anthem. It is only on Independence and Republic Days that the Tricolour is hoisted and the National Anthem sung. It is the duty of educational institutes to popularise the National Anthem among the students.

On my visit to Mumbai recently, I pleasantly found the Anthem being played at the start of a movie and everybody standing up as a mark of respect ina movie hall. Such measures leave a subtle yet long-lasting impact on one’s character and psychology. The youth, who have the responsibility of carrying our country forward, should sensitise themselves towards such things.

DR SANJEEV TRIKHA, Fatehabad

Unpardonable sin

The sin of distorting Gurbani, compiled by Guru Gobind Singh, committed by Majithia is not pardonable. Once when Guru Har Raiji sent Baba Ram Rai to Aurangzeb to clear some misunderstanding between them, Baba Ram Rai distorted Gurbani before Auranzeb to win his sympathy. When Guruji came to know of this, he said “Ram Rai, you have disobeyed my order and sinned. I will never see you again on account of your infidelity.” Guruji never met him again though Ram Rai pleaded for forgiveness. Thus, the Guru established strict action against any alteration of the original verse of Guru Granth Sahib.

Can Badal and company set an example before the Sikh world by showing Majithia the door for life?