Anti-incumbency factor

With reference to ‘Maharashtra battle’; the prolonged deliberations on seat-sharing among the MVA constituents are an inevitable part of a coalition arrangement where there are conflicting interests. The MVA has almost succeeded in working out a mutually acceptable formula. In the Mahayuti alliance, the BJP had to sacrifice chief ministership in favour of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction to keep its flock together. There could be the anti-incumbency factor due to farmers’ protests, unemployment, inflation, corruption and reservation. This election is crucial for both groups and it will have national ramifications. As of now, both alliances seem to be evenly poised. It would be interesting to watch in whose favour the balance will tilt and why.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Parties indulging in blame game

Refer to ‘Maharashtra battle’; the first battle was within the MVA itself over seat-sharing, which has been won due to flexibility shown by its main constituents. The same goes for the Mahayuti. The Haryana poll outcome will haunt the INDIA bloc, especially the Congress, during the Maharashtra electoral battle, but the winner would be tough to predict by poll pundits. Importantly, if any political party has solid evidence to prove that EVMs are not tamper-proof, it must take the matter to its logical conclusion. However, indulging in a blame game after losing an election only dents the trust of the electorate in our democratic process and may lead to serious consequences.

Hira Sharma, by mail

Respect original content

Apropos of ‘Reign of piracy’; the huge loss from piracy underscores a growing crisis. Accessing pirated content has become commonplace, fuelled by high subscription fees, ease of access and weak regulations. Many see piracy as a smart alternative, oblivious to its impact on creators’ rights. To curb this, stricter laws alone aren’t enough. Content providers must address pricing concerns, simplify subscriptions and raise awareness among younger audiences. A collaborative approach is essential to preserve India’s creative economy and encourage respect for original content.

Sargunpreet Kaur, by mail

Policy disrupting harmony

Refer to ‘Setting the cat among the pigeons (Trysts and Turns)’; the Maharashtra Government’s push to convert leasehold land to freehold, with conditions, has shaken the foundation of cooperative housing societies built for retired IAS and IPS officers. This policy promises potential profit, yet disrupts the harmony and trust that these societies were meant to foster. By mandating space for new occupants under government schemes, the state risks unsettling these close-knit communities and reducing a dignified retirement to financial speculation. Such political manoeuvres only serve builders’ interests, undermining the original vision. For many, a community of friends outweighs any financial gain.

Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali

Unpredictable US elections

Apropos of ‘The US media narrative is ready, whoever wins’; the writer highlights the unpredictability of US elections. These polls concern the entire world over issues such as economy, security, wars and conflicts. Even the US media is not sure of the election results. In the Indian context, Kamala Harris is ‘our own’, but Trump is our Prime Minister’s old chum. However, it is said, “There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, only a marriage of convenience and divorce at the drop of a hat’. The world will eventually know who is ethically and morally strong.

Sudershan Walia, Amritsar

Ease pensioners’ woes

Under the 1995 pension scheme (EPS), a part of the monthly salary of an employee was deducted and the employer deposited it with the EPFO, adding his contributory share, which was to be paid to the former on his/her retirement, with interest. This scheme has proved disastrous for the subscriber as a very meagre amount of pension is paid. Having retired 17 years ago from a state government corporation as a gazetted officer, my pension is just Rs 1,700 per month. Retired employees of boards and corporations deserve to be treated on a par with their counterparts in the government and they should be granted pension accordingly. Huge funds with the EPFO, besides financial assistance from the Central Government, can meet the long-standing demand of EPF subscribers.

Raj Kumar Singla, Panchkula

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