Lost leisure
Sir — Power cuts and summers have been synonymous in Calcutta. In fact, a power cut would often be a time of leisure — children got time off from studying, women could put aside their chores and relax. But climate change has put paid to such relaxation. Not only are breezy summer evenings things of the past but the usual spaces of relaxation like terraces and balconies are also disappearing. Moreover, most housing societies have generators or inverters which ensure that even during a power cut a few lights and fans still function. Global warming takes a toll that often remains undocumented in popular discourse.
Rohini Sen, Calcutta
High hopes
Sir — The Union home minister, Amit Shah, is much too optimistic in hoping for 35 Lok Sabha seats for the Bharatiya Janata Party from West Bengal (“Shah: Give 35 seats, Didi govt bhooss before 25”, April 15). People in Bengal will not fall for the BJP’s baseless promises. Had the apex court found a way to stop the misuse of Central agencies, Shah would not have dared to make such blatant claims about ousting a democratically elected government. The only way the BJP can achieve this target of 35 seats is by putting the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, behind bars.
Arun Gupta, Calcutta
Sir — The BJP will not win 35 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. Such a feat is possible for the Trinamul Congress or perhaps even the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Suvendu Adhikari is hardly chief ministerial material, the only way for him to occupy the top seat is to return to the TMC.
Tushar Kanti Kar, Howrah
Shocking news
Sir — The startling revelations made by the erstwhile governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik, in an interview with Karan Thapar speak volumes about the functioning of the Bharatiya Janata Party dispensation at the Centre. The revelations are testament to the fact that there is no room for consensus, collective wisdom, accountability or transparency in governance.
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, and the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, owe the nation an explanation. They must answer all the allegations levelled by Malik.
P.K. Sharma, Barnala, Punjab
Sir — If what Satya Pal Malik said in a recent interview is true, it could be dangerous for the BJP government at the Centre. The prime minister should make his stand on this issue clear before it is too late.
K. Nehru Patnaik,Visakhapatnam
Clueless comments
Sir — The comments made by the Union finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, about violence against minorities, especially Muslims, are ridiculous. Her argument that Muslims are not facing any difficulties because their population is growing defies logic. She also said that in Pakistan minority numbers are decreasing. Is Pakistan really a benchmark to aspire to?
Sitharaman also went on to claim that fellowships are given to Muslims scholars, when her government has stopped such dedicated scholarships. The list of Sitharaman’s omissions is long. The fact that such ignorant leaders are in charge of policymaking in India is worrying.
M. Zakir Hussain, Kazipet, Telangana
Life lessons
Sir — Sonia Gandhi pays a tribute to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar, in her article, “Learning from Babasaheb” (April 14). Read alongside Ramachandra Guha’s recent column, “Radical perspective” (April 8), the column highlighted important aspects of Ambedkar’s philosophy. His teachings are most relevant for the present dispensation at the Centre. All his ideals about the uplift of the so-called backward classes are flouted by the government, which is motivated by a majoritarian, Brahminical ethic. The annual ritual of celebrating his birthday with much fanfare will serve no purpose if the values preached by Ambedkar are trampled underfoot.
Jahar Saha, Calcutta
Solid support
Sir — It was thrilling to watch the support pour in for the Gujarat Titans left-arm pacer, Yash Dayal, who was hit for five consecutive sixes in the final over of the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Even KKR reached out to him on social media. These words will undoubtedly cheer the bowler up. Dayal can perhaps also take solace in the fact that one of England’s most respected pacers, Stuart Broad, was taken to the cleaners by Yuvraj Singh in the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup. Much like life itself, sport is a great leveller. Dayal’s day in the sun will come too.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Parting shot
Sir — “Waiting for Godot” (April 12) by Anup Sinha lucidly outlines the unprecedented upheaval of the global economy. The world thus awaits new effective theories from economists to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly
