Down the rabbit hole
Sir — The growing use of YouTube as a medium for religious propaganda is disconcerting. Several YouTubers, such as Ranveer Allahbadia and Praveen Mohan, claim to provide a platform for ‘alternative’ history. However, these videos, which talk about iPhones being used in ancient India or humans curing Yetis, are baseless and misdirect thousands of people. YouTubers should be held accountable for the information they disseminate to their followers. This is especially important in light of the fact that India is the largest consumer of YouTube and the spread of false or politically-motivated content can be harmful for the nation. ‘Digital India’ should not push its citizens down a rabbit hole of misinformation and fake news.
Srinjoy Mohanty, Cuttack
Timely return
Sir — Rahul Gandhi returned to Parliament after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction. This was just in time for Rahul Gandhi to make a speech in the ongoing no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government (“Back, in time for debate”, Aug 8). Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra was instrumental in connecting him with the masses and bringing him political visibility. The Gandhi scion has relentlessly confronted the Centre on issues such as the violence in Manipur, inflation and the Hindenburg report against the businessman, Gautam Adani.
Buoyed by its success in the Karnataka assembly elections in May, the Congress is hoping to retain power in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, which go to the polls later this year along with Madhya Pradesh. The twin challenges for Rahul Gandhi are to maintain the Congress’ momentum and to pose the Opposition alliance as a viable alternative to the NDA.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Sir — It is heartening that Rahul Gandhi has been reinstated as a member of Parliament and had the opportunity to make a moving speech in the no-confidence motion.
D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Andhra Pradesh
Sir — The reinstatement of the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, to the Lok Sabha will boost the morale of not only the Congress but also the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Although INDIA has several senior leaders like Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad, Sharad Pawar and Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi is undoubtedly the face of the Opposition. He has gained a significant following because of his Bharat Jodo Yatra and his repeated criticism of the Centre’s inaction regarding several important national issues.
Jahangeer Shaikh, Mumbai
Sir — The second phase of the Bharat Jodo Yatra will start in Gujarat and culminate in Meghalaya. The Congress chief in Maharashtra, Nana Patole, has stated that a padayatra will begin in his state just before Rahul Gandhi’s journey in September. The padayatra will be followed by a bus journey through Maharashtra so that leaders can connect with the people and understand the shortcomings of the current government.
Patole is hopeful that the padayatra will be as successful as Rahul Gandhi’s 4,080-kilometre-long walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir was.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Lost credibility
Sir — Several Indian pharmaceutical companies producing fever and cough medications have come under the scanner, once again, owing to a batch of contaminated drugs found in Iraq. This raises questions about India’s pharma industry and reflects poorly on its regulatory framework. Repeated instances of adverse side-effects after consuming medicines imported from India have tarnished the country’s reputation as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of drugs.
With India’s credibility at stake, the drug regulatory authorities must take steps to restore the country’s goodwill on a war footing. A more rigorous regulatory framework, which focuses on quality and safety checks during the manufacturing process, is the need of the hour.
H.N. Ramakrishna, Bangalore
Potent threat
Sir — The Republican Party of the United States of America should resist nominating Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections as he has repeatedly proven to be a threat to American democracy (“Noose tightens”, Aug 8). After Joe Biden was elected president, Trump’s supporters resorted to violence to subvert democratic processes. The Republicans should nominate someone who does not disregard democracy so blatantly.
Aranya Sanyal, Siliguri
Corrupt nexus
Sir — Only four teachers from West Bengal have been arrested so far by the Central Bureau of Investigation for allegedly paying bribes for their appointments (“First arrest of bribe givers”, Aug 8). Several members of the ruling Trinamul Congress are also involved in the illegal recruitment of hundreds of teachers. An impartial investigation might lay bare the nexus of corruption within the state government. The wrongdoers must be arrested and the rightful candidates given employment.
Mihir Kanungo, Calcutta
Star power
Sir — Several private companies in Chennai and Bengaluru have given their employees a day off on August 10 to watch the Rajinikanth starrer, Jailer. However, many of these companies had earlier preferred to be fined by the governments for not allowing their employees paid leave on the day of elections in the respective states. While businesses must be more aware of the democratic responsibilities of their workers, it seems like the Thalaiva can really work wonders.
M.C. Vijay Shankar, Chennai
