Problematic fantasy

Sir — Films based on mythology and historical figures are all the rage at present — Padmaavat, Samrat Prithviraj, Sita, Brahmastra and Ram Setu are a few examples. Apart from conflating history with fantasy, these films are also known for their jingoistic and communal overtones. After the recent release of Ponniyin Selvan: I, which dramatises the advent of the Chola dynasty, saffron groups tried to co-opt the Tamil king, Rajaraja I, as a ‘Hindu’ — there was no such religion back then. The popular understanding of history is often informed by films and wilful misinformation can be dangerous.

Nandana Ray, Mumbai

High stakes

Sir — The outcome of the ongoing 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress will have important implications for geopolitics (“Eyes on Beijing”, Oct 16). The current Chinese president, Xi Jinping, is set to be re-elected for a record-breaking third term as the party’s general-secretary. Xi has announced plans to further modernise the armed forces. This means that China will be adopting a more aggressive stance in the future, helping Xi surpass the legacy of the CCP’s founder-leader, Mao Zedong. However, a militarily assertive China is cause for concern for the world, especially its neighbours. India must be on high alert against possible foul play.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur

Sir — The stringent enforcement of the ‘zero Covid’ policy in China has resulted in an economic slowdown. But Xi seems to be in no mood to discontinue it. This does not seem prudent for China’s future.

Saket Pandey, Patna

Sir — A video clip depicting the clash between the People’s Liberation Army and Indian troops at Galwan Valley in 2020 was reportedly played at the ongoing Party Congress of the CCP. This is a desperate attempt to stir up tensions between the two countries. India has been attempting to improve bilateral relations with Beijing. To this end, it recently abstained from voting against China in the United Nations Human Rights Commission. However, China seems reluctant to return the favour.

Samir Das, Cooch Behar

Back in favour

Sir — In a jolt to the coalition government in Pakistan led by Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf under the former prime minister, Imran Khan, won six out of eight National Assembly seats and two out of three Provincial Assembly seats in the recently-held bypolls in the key state of Punjab (“Imran in bypoll sweep”, Oct 18). These victories are being seen as a result of the belligerent campaign launched by Khan against the ruling coalition, which seems to be in complete disarray. Khan has termed the mandate as a referendum on his popularity. But it remains to be seen whether the government actually succumbs to his demand for an early election.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Sir — The slew of PTI victories in the bypolls in Pakistan are worrying. This means that the political turmoil in the neighbouring country is unlikely to end anytime soon. This does not bode well for diplomatic relations with India.

Rajiv Rathore, Mumbai

Desperate attempt

Sir — The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has intensified its campaign in pollbound Gujarat. The saffron party seems desperate to improve its tally in the state. This is evident from the announcement of extensive doles days before the election. The Bhupendra Patel-led government has reduced the value added tax on CNG and PNG prices. Additionally, it has promised two cooking gas cylinders free of cost to beneficiaries of the Ujjwala scheme. Amul has increased the price of milk in all states except Gujarat. These sops not only belie the tall claims made by the prime minister, Narendra Modi, about eradicating the freebie culture but also raise questions about the efficiency of the party’s much-touted developmental model in the state. Jang Bahadur Singh, Jamshedpur „Sir — Fearing electoral reverses in Gujarat, the BJP has stepped up its efforts to retain its bastion with the prime minister, Narendra Modi, increasing the frequency of his visits to the state (“Modi steps up Gujarat visits”, Oct 17). This betrays the nervousness of the party’s top brass owing to the attention being garnered by the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra as well as the inroads made by the Aam Aadmi Party in the state.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Parting shot

Sir — The editorial, “Mind matters” (Oct 17), highlighted the causes behind the alarming rise in suicides among the youth. Suicide remains a major health challenge as a result of the societal stigma attached to mental health. The lack of treatment for and education about mental health ailments are the primary reasons behind this crisis. The government should bolster the mental healthcare infrastructure to ensure psychological well-being.

Nayanita Rakshit, Kharagpur