Stubborn stain

Sir — The detergent brand, Vim, elicited mixed responses by advertising the world’s first-ever dishwashing liquid for men — it came in a suitably ‘masculine’ black bottle and had an ‘anti-slip grip’ for the slippery customers who avoid chores, such as washing dishes, at all costs. Vim clarified that it was a cheeky attempt to normalise household chores for all, begging the question: what will it take for men to willingly participate in domestic activities? Reports showed that when forced to do housework during the lockdown, men drove up the demand for items like spin mops by almost 100%, but soon abandoned these new toys in favour of a dusty floor. A fancy soap is unlikely to wash away years of entitlement.

Suparna Biswas, Calcutta

Mixed bag

Sir — A close look at the Gujarat assembly poll results reveals three clear reasons for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s triumphant return to power: Narendra Modi’s enduring appeal to the masses, the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress cutting into each other’s votes and the openly partisan attitude of the Election Commission (“Spectacular victory and a defeat”, Dec 9). The fact that the poll dates were planned in a way that accommodated the announcement of several new projects by Modi points to this bias. Modi also walked with his supporters on his way to cast his vote as if in an election rally. This was a clear breach of the Model Code of Conduct.

Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai

Sir — The credit for the BJP’s victory in Gujarat goes entirely to Narendra Modi. Further, the AAP’s foray into the state confused voters. It also did not help that many Congress turncoats were fielded by the saffron party, adding to people’s perplexity. However, the ‘Modi magic’ did not work in Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, if one considers the bigger picture, then the BJP managed to retain Gujarat but lost both Himachal and the Delhi municipal corporation. This is perhaps the first such upset since the Modi juggernaut started rolling in 2014. For the Congress, its victory in the hill state is small consolation for its decimation in Gujarat, where its seat share came down from 77 in 2017 to 17 in 2022. This is shameful.

Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad

Sir — The Congress’s win in Himachal Pradesh shows that all hope is not lost yet for the Grand Old Party. The party needs to go back to the basics — this is the approach that worked in Himachal. It did not have the BJP’s resources, but it focused on local issues and energising the grassroots. The party is in a complete disarray right now. Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra is as much to revive the Congress’s soul as it is for uniting the country. The Congress must win back people’s trust.

Abhilash Gupta, Ghaziabad

Sir — The result in Himachal Pradesh will come as solace for the Grand Old Party, which has a tenuous grip on politics in the country. But it will take a significant amount of money for the party to deliver on its poll promises. Himachal is already reeling from debt. It remains to be seen how the Congress organises the funds.

N.R. Ramachandran, Ooty

Vengeful attitude

Sir — It is astonishing that the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Madhya Pradesh suspended the teacher, Rajesh Kannoje, for joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He was allegedly suspended for violating the rules of conduct of his service. But the real reason is obvious: he dared to side with the BJP’s sworn enemy, Rahul Gandhi, who has been a staunch critic of everything the saffron party does. This attitude is undemocratic and whimsical and will spell doom for the party.

A.K. Chakraborty, Guwahati

Wasted lives

Sir — The report about a 22-year-old committing suicide owing to monetary losses in online gambling was saddening. It is a pity that in spite of the efforts of the Tamil Nadu government, which brought a bill to prohibit online gambling and to regulate internet games in the state, the governor’s refusal to assent cost us a life. More people have died directly or indirectly owing to online gambling in the state in the two months that the governor has spent dithering on this bill. He should immediately put his signature on the bill.

N. Mahadevan, Chennai

Crude argument

Sir — The article, “Significant outcome” (Dec 8) suggests that Swapan Dasgupta is unaware of what M.K. Gandhi said: “Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.” December 6, 1992 is the darkest episode in the history of independent India. Much before the Taliban vandalised the Buddhas of Bamiyan, the barbaric demolition of the Babri Masjid shocked the world. Dasgupta speaks of “Muslim terrorism”; why is he blind to the brutal acts of violence perpetrated by Hindutva goons? Such impartiality is too much to expect from a journalist like Dasgupta. His piece is a crude celebration of blatant communalism.

Kajal Chatterjee, Calcutta