BJP must brace itself for bypolls
With reference to the editorial ‘Rift in UP BJP’; the saffron party has dug its own grave in Uttar Pradesh, the most important state in political and electoral terms. Party infighting and overconfidence have cost the party dear. CM Yogi Adityanath’s failure to unite the party had hurt the BJP’s prospects in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. That is the reason why the party could only secure 33 seats — down from 62 in 2019 — while the Samajwadi Party-Congress combine bagged 43 seats. With 10 Assembly seats in the state set for byelections in the coming months, the BJP needs to get its act together as it seems likely to face another setback.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Politics must not hinder education
The Punjab education sector stands at a critical juncture, ensnared in a political tug-of-war between the state government and the Centre. Recent setbacks in both higher and school education systems have set off alarm bells, demanding immediate action to secure the future of students and wellbeing of educators. The blow dealt by the President’s refusal to clear the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, reverberates through the corridors of higher education. The non-clearance of the Bill meant to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of state-run universities has left the administrative structure in limbo. The state and Central governments must resolve the disputes as soon as possible. After all, educational institutions require adequate support and resources to function effectively.
Sahibpreet Singh, Mohali
Middle class getting a raw deal
Refer to the article ‘Budget must aim for inclusive development’; I agree with the views expressed by the author. There is no doubt that the Full Budget should aim for sustainable and inclusive development of the country. Besides, burning issues like unemployment and inflation need to be tackled. It is common to see lakhs of candidates vie for a single vacant post. An increased investment in the industrial sector and infrastructure development can help generate more jobs. Further, education needs to be reformed so that the students are trained in such a way that they can meet the requirements of the industry. Moreover, the middle class has long been getting a raw deal. Checking inflation can bring this segment some relief.
KR Bharti, Shimla
Vance the new face of Trumpism
Apropos of the editorial ‘Vance candidacy’; Donald Trump’s decision to tap Vance as his running mate is appropriate. Vance can prove to be the new face of the ideology championed by Trump. Though the Ohio Senator was once an acerbic critic of the business tycoon-turned-politician, he has transformed into an ardent Trump supporter. Notably, Vance was quick to point fingers at Joe Biden after the assassination attempt on Trump last weekend. In Vance’s much-celebrated memoir Hillbilly Elegy, he fervently pleaded the cause of the White working class, which feels socially and culturally dislocated amid the influx of immigrants. As someone who can win over many undecided voters in swing states, Vance will boost Trump’s electoral prospects.
Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa
US must tighten its gun laws
People around the world are relieved that former US President Donald Trump had a miraculous escape after a 20-year-old gunman opened fire at him during a rally in Pennsylvania last week. Since the shooter was gunned down immediately, there is still a lack of clarity about the motive of the attack. But the rising number of gun crimes in the US is a matter of concern. It is important to ensure that guns do not fall into the wrong hands. Any Tom, Dick and Harry should not be able to own or carry lethal weapons. Keeping in mind the safety of the community, the US gun laws must be tightened.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
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