INDIA’s loss is BJP’s gain

Refer to the editorial ‘INDIA crumbling’; one by one, leaders from the Opposition bloc are crossing over to the BJP-led NDA as the Lok Sabha polls draw closer. Does this prove the effectiveness of the BJP’s politicisation of the Bharat Ratna and the alleged use of agencies like the ED and CBI to target Opposition leaders? Is this carrot-and-stick approach of the BJP benefiting it? In Bihar, serial turncoat Nitish Kumar, who was one of the strongest pillars of the Opposition, has returned to the NDA fold. Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan has deserted the Congress and joined the BJP. Meanwhile, the Congress has failed to guard its base or agree on seat-sharing with its INDIA allies. The weakening of the Opposition might be a win for the BJP, but it bodes ill for our democracy.

PL Singh, by mail

Oppn bloc falling apart

Apropos of ‘INDIA crumbling’; it was obvious from the beginning that it would be hard for such diverse political parties to come together under one umbrella and take on the NDA. There were bound to be hurdles in seat-sharing deliberations. But nobody could have imagined that the INDIA bloc would crumble months before the General Election. Merely appointing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as the convener is of no use if he does not intervene and helps resolve the seat-sharing disputes. The decision of TMC and AAP to contest independently in West Bengal and Punjab, respectively, and the exit of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and the Rashtriya Lok Dal do not augur well for the INDIA grouping.

Bal Govind, Noida

Civilians bear brunt of war

Refers to the editorial ‘Israel’s offensive’; the most powerful influencers in the international community are hardly doing anything to convince both Israel and Hamas to end the war and come to the negotiating table to establish peace in the region. If a large part of the recently declared US foreign aid package of $95.3 billion is used by Israel for acquiring more weapons and ammunition, it will only add fuel to the fire. Militant groups like Hezbollah and Houthis are further causing unrest in the region as Israel remains bent on attaining a ‘total victory’. Thousands of civilians are bearing the brunt of this war. The UN must devise concrete ways to get the hostages released and effect a ceasefire.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Skyrocketing airfares

With the authorities blocking roads to stop the protesting farmers’ march to the national capital, Chandigarh-Delhi airfares have gone up. The morning flight is costing in excess of

Rs 16,000, while the fare for the evening flight is no less than Rs 11,000. It is not the first time that airlines are cashing in on road and rail traffic disruptions to fleece passengers. The airlines did not mend their ways even when Kerala was reeling under floods in 2018. It is a matter of shame for the aviation industry. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation must look into the matter on priority.

Gurpreet S Malhotra, Kansal

Don’t block farmers’ way

Why is the Haryana Government creating a border between Punjab and the rest of India by laying barbed wire and concrete blocks to block the protesting farmers’ way? The inter-state border has started to look like an international border. The authorities are causing inconvenience to commuters. The government must let the farmers raise their concerns peacefully. Their right to hold a peaceful protest must not be violated. These farmers serve langar to people wherever they stage protests. The Supreme Court must take suo motu cognisance of the matter and issue directions to the authorities to restore traffic.

SS Bhathal, by mail

Education system needs overhaul

Apropos of the article ‘Stress a significant risk factor in heart attacks among youth’; the surge in heart attacks among relatively young people is concerning. There is no doubt that youngsters, stuck in the rat race, face a lot of stress. They are extremely career-conscious and expect high-paying jobs. Our education system prepares students to grab a high package, but it does not teach them to handle failures. The education system needs an overhaul. Students should be taught to adopt a healthy lifestyle and deal with stress.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

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