Bucking anti-incumbency

Refer to ‘Maha triumph’; with its hat-trick in the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP has proved that anti-incumbency is not a factor to be dreaded. The Congress and its allies failed to woo voters. They must reinvent themselves to stay relevant. If their slogans are not resonating with the public, they should change their strategy. Their leadership would have to match the standing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the masses. A party can’t win elections merely on the basis of promises of freebies. Leaders of political parties must understand that they can understand the ground reality only by connecting with the public.

Yoginder Singhal, Ladwa

Women behind BJP’s win

Apropos of ‘Maha triumph’; the BJP-led Mahayuti recorded an astonishing victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections — much beyond the party’s expectations. Instead of learning a lesson from its loss in Haryana, INDIA became overconfident about its success in Maharashtra. It was slow in taking decisions and failed to present a united front, resulting in its crushing defeat. Mahayuti, after suffering a reversal in the Lok Sabha elections, regrouped to win the Assembly polls. It rolled out Ladki Bahin Yojana, which played a vital role in fetching votes of women. Female voters of the state are behind the triumph of Mahayuti.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Congress must connect with voters

With reference to ‘Punjab byelections’; the setbacks to the Congress in Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab have exposed the party’s shortcomings. An improvement in its performance in the General Election made the party top brass complacent. But the outcomes of these Assembly polls and byelections have revealed the disconnect between the voters’ thinking and the party’s strategic planning. The grand old party needs to get its act together fast. Otherwise, it might become politically irrelevant and the BJP will achieve its goal of making India Congress-mukt sooner than later.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Reform democratic process

Apropos of ‘Punjab byelections’; opportunism continues to be a hallmark of our political system. Power-hungry leaders do not hesitate to join rival parties when denied the ticket to contest. Horse-trading is also a common phenomenon. Voters are lured by freebies and welfare schemes. Crafty politicians bank on populism to garner votes. The democratic process should be reformed to curb unethical practices. In the nation’s interest, development projects and economic health should not suffer.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Salvage India-Nepal ties

With reference to ‘Agnipath shadow over India-Nepal defence relations’; the editorial is both incisive and timely. The 1950 India-Nepal Treaty is the foundation of the relationship between the two neighbours. India’s unilateral alteration of Gorkha recruitment terms under the Agnipath scheme has strained the historical bond. Nepal’s disapproval reflects growing friction, worsened by China’s rising influence. Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s visit has come against the backdrop of erosion of trust once nurtured through Gorkha recruitment. Ignoring Nepal’s concerns risks alienating a key ally. India must extend service or a higher retention rate for Nepali Gorkhas to salvage the strategic ties.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

Ensure transparency in schemes

Refer to ‘5 lakh new houses will be built for the poor, says CM Saini’; the announcement shows that social welfare and inclusive development are among the Haryana Government’s priorities. The Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana also serve to secure the basic right to shelter for the urban and rural poor. Funding for Maharishi Valmiki Bhawan further highlights the emphasis on community development. Such initiatives provide succour to disadvantaged people, thus promoting equality and development. However, these objectives must be realised with timely implementation and transparency.

Pranav Shukla, Jaipur