About turn

Sir — The decision of Babul Supriyo to join the Trinamul Congress should not be seen as an achievement for the party (“Babul joins Trinamul”, Sep 19). Not too long ago, in late July, Supriyo had announced that he is resigning from the Bharatiya Janata Party as he intends to retire from active politics — this decision came after Supriyo was removed as a Union minister in the latest cabinet reshuffle. What, then, prompted his decision to join the TMC so soon?

Supriyo has been part of Bengal’s political fabric since 2014 but has done little for the betterment of the people. Instead, he is known for frequently getting into altercations with his critics for no good reason. It seems that Supriyo was waiting for the right offer since his defeat in the Bengal assembly elections earlier this year. His entry into TMC may be an ego boost for the party, but unless Supriyo delivers in the upcoming months, he will become a liability for the TMC.

Aditya Mukherjee,
New Delhi

Sir — These days politicians, barring a few exceptions, seem to be devoid of any loyalty. The departure of Babul Supriyo from the BJP and his recent induction into the Trinamul Congress — he had fought bitterly against the TMC only a few months back — is only the recent example of a politician jumping ship. His scathing remarks against the TMC are still fresh in our minds. Yet, days after joining the TMC, he has declared that Mamata Banerjee will be a frontrunner for the prime minister’s post in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Voters, including ardent TMC supporters, are bound to see through his act.

Arun Gupta,
Calcutta

Sir — No matter what political leaders would like to believe, voters are not foolish. Most people are certain that Babul Supriyo’s change of heart had nothing to do with serving the people of Bengal. His decision to join the TMC hinged upon personal gains and it seems that the TMC delivered by including him within the inner circle almost immediately.

Over the last few years, the BJP has become notorious for poaching parliamentarians and members of legislative assemblies from other parties, leading to the toppling of governments in several states. This time it seems that it has received a dose of its own medicine. Nevertheless, this cannot bode well for the TMC in the long run. Party leaders as well as the common people of Bengal will not look favourably at Supriyo’s sudden entry and elevation to the top echelons of the TMC. Supriyo has lost all credibility.

Mrinal Kanti Kundu,
Howrah

Sir — Babul Supriyo’s entry into the TMC in the presence of its national general-secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, may have flabbergasted the BJP, but it is not all that surprising. Few believed the legislator when he announced that he will be retiring from active politics.

It is obvious that the TMC was hoping to make a point by welcoming former BJP legislators — including Mukul Roy — into its fold. But the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will determine the future of India. As such, Mamata Banerjee, who many expect to be at the forefront, should be mindful of who she includes in her inner circle. One hopes that this decision does not cost the TMC dearly.

Minakshi Sethi,
Mumbai

Good game

Sir — Mithali Raj must be congratulated for completing 20,000 career runs during India’s match against the Australian team at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The skipper of the Indian women’s one-day international team also scored her fifth consecutive 50 at the match. This achievement proves, once again, that Raj is one of the finest cricketers in the world. It is truly unfortunate that female cricketers in India continue to be overlooked.

Sourish Misra,
Calcutta

Sir — Mithali Raj has shown that she still has a lot of cricket left in her. She must be congratulated.

Soumya Kumar,
Calcutta

Far from satisfactory

Sir — Many people lost their jobs in the wake of the pandemic. But it seems that many others, especially the youth in countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan, are voluntarily leaving their jobs as they feel unsatisfied with their work. Such luxuries, though, seem unimaginable in India. Unemployment, especially among those with a college education, is at an all time high with many being forced to take on underpaid jobs just to put food on the table. A shrinking economy and an apathetic government have ensured that satisfaction is the furthest thing on the minds of the Indian youth.

Abhinav Saha,
Calcutta