Blurred lines
Sir — A creative fraction of a second is all that matters for photographers to take an impactful picture. In this context, reading the interview of Evan Vucci, the Associated Press photographer who captured a striking image of the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, seconds after an assassination attempt on him, was interestting (“The image history will not forget”, July 16). Vucci’s precision in judgement amidst such a chaotic situation to take the well-composed image of Trump is laudable. However, the photograph ends up mythologising the vices that Trump has come to be associated with — nationalism, bloodshed and violence. A line must thus be drawn between aestheticism and reality when it comes to capturing photographic truth.
Snigdha Bakshi, Calcutta
People’s message
Sir — A robust Opposition has handed a crushing defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the recently concluded by-elections, clinching 10 out of 13 seats across seven states (“INDIA heat on Modi persists”, July 14). The results not only reflect a definitive shift in voters’ preferences but also mark the decline of aggressive, polarised politics. While the Congress and the Trinamool Congress retained their hold on Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal, respectively, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam secured an emphatic win in Vikravandi, thereby augmenting the strength of the INDIA bloc.
After losing Ayodhya in the general elections, the saffron party suffered a drubbing in the Badrinath assembly seat as well. It seems that the BJP’s tactics of horse-trading and poaching candidates has backfired, significantly denting its electoral prospects.
Aayman Anwar Ali, Calcutta
Sir — The results of the recently held by-elections in 13 assembly seats provided a boost to the INDIA bloc and resulted in a setback for the National Democratic Alliance (“Poll winds”, July 16). This is a clear indication that people are yearning for a change. The dwindling support for the BJP is an indication that voters have begun to realise that it is futile to rely on that party for an improvement in their condition. The defeat in Badrinath after Ayodhya shows that playing the religious card is now a failed strategy. The aura of invincibility that surrounded Narendra Modi and his party seems diminished.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — It is heartening that the people of Tamil Nadu have proved, once again, that they will not get carried away by casteist, communal or religious sentiments whipped up by parties like the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the BJP. The vicious diatribes of the Tamil Nadu BJP chief, K. Annamalai, against the DMK candidate, Anniyur Siva, was counterproductive and turned out to be one of the major reasons for the humiliating defeat faced by the saffron party.
Further, the mandate won by the DMK highlights that the people-oriented schemes of the chief minister, M.K. Stalin, have resonated with the poor and the downtrodden. The popularity of the schemes is borne out by the fact that Stalin did not have to visit the constituency personally and only made an appeal to the electorate through the media.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Sir — The BJP should learn a lesson from its defeats in the general elections as well as the assembly bypolls. The people of India have spoken against the BJP’s brand of divisive politics and its hatred for the largest minority community. At the same time, the encouraging electoral outcomes should not make the Opposition complacent as it still has a long way to go before defeating the BJP at the Centre.
S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru
Sir — Narendra Modi has become a spent force incapable of providing dynamic leadership. His replacement is now imperative, otherwise the prospect of the BJP will be at stake. The people have realised that the 10 years of Modi’s rule have greatly imperilled India’s democratic ethos. Unemployment and poverty continue to be high in the country.
Arun Gupta, Calcutta
Plug the gaps
Sir — The Telegraph has rightly discussed the plight of gig workers and those employed in the informal sector in its editorial, “Safety net” (July 15). Workers in the unorganised sectors face several challenges such as poor working conditions and arbitrary dismissal. A legal framework meant to protect them from exploitation should be mindful of these issues.
The ‘safety net’ — the Karnataka gig workers’ bill, for instance — should be extended to cover domestic workers as well. Perhaps the Indian government can take a leaf out of the Singaporean law, which ensures adequate guidelines for the health and welfare of gig workers.
K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Clear winner
Sir — Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spaniard, deserves plaudits for defeating the tennis veteran, Novak Djokovic, at the final of the 2024 Wimbledon men’s singles (“Alcaraz tames Djokovic, keeps final slate clean”, July 15). Even though Alcaraz dominated throughout the match, the tie-breaker in the third set could have been avoided if not for his double faults. But his lightning speed, court coverage, and ground strokes humbled Djokovic. What is really worth mentioning is the way the Serbian carried himself after his defeat — he hugged Alcaraz and heaped praises on the champion.
M.N. Gupta, Hooghly
Sir — It is laudable that Carlos Alcaraz defended his Wimbledon title. This is the Spaniard’s second Wimbledon win in a row and his fourth Grand Slam. Even though Novak Djokovic managed to reach the finals while still recovering from an injury, he did not stand a chance against Alcaraz’s precise shots and swiftness.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
