Pappu pass ho gaya

Refer to ‘Kya Pappu pass ho gaya’ (The Great Game); Rahul Gandhi, once mocked by the BJP, has cleared the people’s test. His address in Parliament, invoking Hinduism’s inclusive spirit, was a breath of fresh air. Mahua Moitra’s fiery speech asserted freedom from fear, a new leitmotif for India. The BJP, no longer in majority, is on the back foot. Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, allies of the BJP, are demanding their pound of flesh from the Centre. The government can no longer ride roughshod over an empowered Opposition. The people have spoken, and it is time for the BJP to listen. Rahul Gandhi must keep up the pressure. India has changed, and the era of majoritarian dominance is over. The era of democratic dialogue has begun, and the government must pay attention to the Opposition voices.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Opposition yet to deliver

Apropos of ‘Kya Pappu pass ho gaya’; it is the Indian voters that deserve credit for the electoral success of the INDI alliance, not leaders of the Opposition bloc. While the electorate has revived the Opposition by handing it big wins, the leaders are yet to return the favour by contributing to the growth and progress of the nation. Most parties in India reek of dynastic politics. Until recently, it seemed like Rahul Gandhi harboured prime ministerial ambitions just because he comes from a political family with members who have held the post. But the Gandhi scion has finally made his presence felt in the political landscape of late, thanks to his outreach to the masses through his Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

Devinder K Bhandari, Chandigarh

Open debate a must in democracy

Rahul Gandhi’s maiden speech in the 18th Lok Sabha has helped him bury his reputation as a leader who could not be taken seriously. He is no longer ‘Pappu’, as he has long been pejoratively called by his detractors. It is inspiring to see a buoyant Opposition take the ruling dispensation to task over issues confronting the nation. Led by Rahul, the Opposition has done well to press the party in power on paper leaks and irregularities that have raised questions about the integrity of exams in the country. PM Narendra Modi also delivered a befitting counter to Rahul with his ‘balak buddhi’ dig. A vigorous debate is a must for a vibrant democracy.

M Somasekhar Prasad, Hyderabad

A criminal lapse that cost lives

The death of more than 120 people in a stampede in Hathras during a ‘satsang’ organised by a self-styled godman, Bhole Baba, is tragic. Reportedly, over 2.5 lakh people had assembled in the venue that was meant for merely 80,000. The stampede was apparently triggered as a crowd of devotees scrambled to collect the dust stirred up by Bhole Baba’s car as he was leaving. The godman did not even bother to offer assistance to the injured. Local authorities must not allow such events unless there are adequate security arrangements in place and an ambulance on standby in case of an emergency.

Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai

Bring those responsible to book

Refer to the editorial ‘Learn from tragedies’; every mishap needs to be thoroughly investigated to identify administrative lapses and fix responsibility. This would be a major step towards ensuring justice and preventing similar mishaps. The death of over 120 people in a stampede in Hathras is an irreparable loss for their kin. Bhole Baba, who hosted the religious gathering, did not even bother to ensure proper arrangements for crowd management. Those responsible for the preventable loss of lives must be brought to book.

Yugal Kishore Sharma, Faridabad

Restrict religious gatherings

More than 120 lives were snuffed out as a ruckus broke out at a religious gathering in UP’s Hathras. A time-bound probe into the matter is in order to fix accountability. Further, lessons should be drawn from the tragedy to avert a repeat of such mishaps. Organising events in a staggered manner can help prevent overcrowding. It is time to stop allowing religious congregations in public places altogether. Religion is something that should be practised within the four walls of one’s house.

Sudershan Walia, Amritsar

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