Time is money
Sir — People who commute by app cabs already know about rising fares, drivers who refuse to accept online payment or switch on the air conditioner. However, these ordeals seem innocuous compared to the shock that Deepak Tenguriya received after finishing a short Uber ride from Noida. After booking a ride that was supposed to
cost him Rs 62, Tenguriya was billed a whopping Rs 7.66 crore. Nearly six crore rupees of this sum was chalked up to the waiting time. While this may have been a technical glitch, it should serve as a warning for latecomers. Time, indeed, is money.
Srijita Das, Calcutta
One voice
Sir — The INDIA bloc has successfully spread the message that democracy is in danger under the rule of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which might change the Constitution if it gets 400 seats in the upcoming elections (“Arrest-hit INDIA at ‘biggest court’”, April 1). The Opposition alliance seems to have finally found a united voice against Modi after the arrest of the Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal. It has raised concerns regarding the autocratic dispensation at the Centre, which is using Central agencies to coerce Opposition parties. Highlighting these problems will surely get more votes for the bloc.
K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Sir — While addressing a mammoth rally in New Delhi, leaders of the INDIA coalition rightly called the Lok Sabha polls a battle to save democracy and the Constitution as the BJP is stifling dissent and practising divisive politics. The INDIA partners must stay united against the BJP’s dictatorial ways. Instead of engaging in public spats, Opposition leaders should focus on real problems like inflation and unemployment.
M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
Sir — Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest is reminiscent of the tactics of the Indira Gandhi-led government during the Emergency. It must serve as a rallying point for all who cherish freedom and democracy.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Sense the irony
Sir — During an electoral campaign in Meerut, the prime minister, Narendra Modi, claimed that his party’s motto was to fight corruption and not shield offenders. This is ironic given the way in which the saffron party has welcomed leaders charged with corruption like Himanta Biswa Sarma and Suvendu Adhikari. They were even given tickets to fight elections and, subsequently, important roles. The Bharatiya Janata Party has done hardly anything during its decade-long rule to end corruption.
Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad
Different view
Sir — In his article, “A ray of light” (April 1), G.N. Devy points out that despite the increasing number of depressing events around us, we must persevere by having hope. For Gen Z, famous for its bleak attitude towards life, hope is but deferred disappointment. Instead of misguided optimism, one must embrace what the South African philosopher, David Benatar, describes as ‘pragmatic pessimism’ about reality. Coupled with positive action, this might lead to a more mature outlook towards life.
Sharanya Das, Calcutta
Rough winds
Sir — At least four people have died after a mini-tornado hit parts of North Bengal (“Storm kills 5, CM rushes in”, April 1). Houses and crops were damaged and people displaced in Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri. The severity of the damage could have been minimised had the meteorological department forecast the storm. Normalcy must be restored at the earliest.
Jayanta Datta, Hooghly
Irrelevant history
Sir — The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has drawn attention to the nexus between Robert Clive and the king, Krishnachandra Roy, during an election rally (“CM gives BJP history lesson on Siraj”, April 1). While it is true that Roy was a staunch follower of Hinduism, his decision to support Clive might have stemmed from the socio-political situation during the 1700s. Roy was once allegedly imprisoned by Nawab Alivardi Khan, the grandfather of Siraj-ud-Daulah, for nonpayment of taxes. This might have been a factor as well. Banerjee would do well not to bring up historical rivalries to win votes. She should instead focus on contemporary and relevant issues.
Hemanta Sasmal, Howrah
Restorative touch
Sir — It is heartening that the Calcutta Municipal Corporation will restore the renowned Sibtainabad Imambara that was built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah during the 1860s (“Healing touch for Wajid Ali Shah’s resting place”, Mar 31). The nawab was laid to rest there after his death in 1887. The CMC must be lauded for taking the initiative to save this heritage structure. Hopefully, the work will be completed within the stipulated deadline.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta
