Sir — The emphatic win of the Aam Aadmi Party in the Delhi elections is not surprising (“Broomed”, Feb 13). The party may feel that reforms in the health and education sectors led to its victory, but it is more likely that the electricity and water subsidies appealed to the middle class and the poor. While local issues like electricity, water and transport dominated the Delhi poll discourse, it must also be acknowledged that the Bharatiya Janata Party did not have a strong leader to take on Arvind Kejriwal. The latter realized that mocking the prime minister would not fetch him votes. He focused on working for the people instead, defeating both the BJP and the Congress in the process.

Although the BJP’s performance was better than the last elections, voters gave the party a metaphorical rap on the knuckles for the irresponsible speeches made by its leaders during the campaigns. This defeat should serve as a lesson for Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

Chandan Kumar Nath,

Barpeta, Assam

Sir — The Delhi election has proved that the Indian democracy is still alive and kicking. Arvind Kejriwal and his party’s victory against the BJP has made all Indians who cherish democracy proud. Ultimately, sobriety won against the politics of hate. Kejriwal has won the voters over with his mantra of ‘bijli, sadak, pani’. One hopes that other political parties follow his example, ushering in a new era in Indian politics.

Debasish Chatterjee,

Calcutta

Sir — After several ups and downs and two successful terms as chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal emerged as a mature and tough competitor in the field of electoral politics. He smartly avoided getting trapped in the BJP’s nationalistic agenda. He stayed completely focused on delivering on his promises. His approach should start a new trend in India, with parties in other states following suit.

Hassan Anwar,

Delhi

Sir — The results of the Delhi assembly elections should be a lesson for the BJP. Arguably, the national capital represents voters from across the country. The party’s think tank should realize that polarizing tactics to win the votes of the majority community will not hold good in the long run. The electorate at large wants good governance and basic amenities needed for a comfortable life.

Since the BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi just a few months back, the AAP knew that it would not be easy to unseat the former. Relying on the communal card once again, the BJP focused only on Shaheen Bagh, which did not cut ice with the voters. In fact, the outright communal speeches of some of its leaders actually went against it. Unless the BJP mends its campaign strategy, more shocking results might be in store for it in the future.

Hira Lal De,

Hooghly

Sir — We must applaud the maturity of Delhiites for taking a stand when it mattered the most. They have punished the BJP’s politicians in a fitting manner. While Arvind Kejriwal decided to steer clear of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and used his strength in welfare governance during the campaign, the BJP fought the elections on communal grounds. Senior leaders of the BJP had no qualms comparing Kejriwal to a “terrorist”. The AAP’s success against the BJP will no doubt determine the future course of politics in India.

S.S. Paul,

Nadia

Sir — A non-BJP party winning an election is a good sign: it will keep the communal hatred in check and will act as a reminder to the BJP that people care about development. But it is a matter of concern that the AAP has not taken a clear stand on the CAA and the police brutality sanctioned by the BJP on protesters in Delhi. Since the safety of citizens is at stake, Arvind Kejriwal should refrain from playing it safe and be more vocal on these issues. Further, Kejriwal should also include more women and Dalit leaders in leadership roles to ensure a more democratic representation.

Asha Dikshit,

Calcutta

Home and the world

Sir — The growing popularity of the ‘Tradwife’ movement which encourages women to take pleasure in homemaking instead of doing paid jobs is not really an anomaly. It is, in fact, an extension of the attitude that forces modern women to juggle work and household chores. While women continue to break the glass ceiling at work, little is being done to reimagine their role as the primary caregiver within the family. Until the idea that men and women are equally responsible when it comes to running a home is established, movements like ‘tradwife’ will continue to rear their ugly heads.

Eklavya Kumar,

Calcutta