Endless conflict

Sir — Navjot Singh Sidhu’s abrupt resignation as the Punjab Congress chief sent shockwaves through the party (“Trust Sidhu to act like Sidhu”, Sep 29). This comes days after the removal of Amarinder Singh as the chief minister of Punjab, following a bitter tussle between the two. Singh had reportedly remarked that Sidhu is ‘unstable’ and cannot be entrusted with the task of running Punjab. At the same time, rumours emerged that Singh had arrived in Delhi to meet Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. Others are of the opinion that he is likely to meet the interim Congress chief, Sonia Gandhi. Either way, Punjab is facing a tremendous leadership crisis that must be resolved at the earliest. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining the Grand Old Party’s future in the state.

M.R. Jayanthi,
Kozhikode

Sir — The reason cited by Navjot Singh Sidhu for his resignation — he claims that he is unwilling to compromise on the future and welfare of Punjab — is bogus. Whatever the real reason may be, it is a huge jolt for the Congress, which recently appointed Charanjit Singh Channi as the chief minister after the untimely exit of Amarinder Singh. Sidhu’s decision is not only ill-timed but also points to his erratic nature. The Congress high command should take swift and serious steps against him.

The party must also try to mend fences with Singh and fight the forthcoming state assembly elections under his leadership.

Bhagwan Thadani,
Mumbai

Sir — Navjot Singh Sidhu’s actions seem to have been motivated by his ambitions. Whenever he feels that things are not going his way — it has been reported that at least two ministers in the Punjab cabinet were chosen without his approval — he takes such drastic steps. It could also be that the elevation of Charanjit Singh Channi did not sit well with Sidhu. It is well-known that he hopes to be the chief minister.

A few months ago, the Congress had been scripted for an easy win in the assembly elections in Punjab. The contentious farm laws passed by the BJP had marginalized the saffron party as well as its former ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal, in the state. But the infighting within Congress has complicated matters. Voters are likely to think twice before electing a party that cannot maintain peace among its members.

Jang Bahadur Singh,
Jamshedpur

Sir — The Punjab Congress seems to be in turmoil just months before the assembly elections. It was apparent to all that the resignation of Amarinder Singh as the chief minister of Punjab was the unfortunate outcome of his conflict with Navjot Singh Sidhu. But now Sidhu has vindicated his critics who have long-held that he is too unstable a politician to hold an important post. Charanjit Singh Channi seems to have emerged as the only victor.

If the infighting continues, it is unlikely that the Grand Old Party will emerge victorious in the state polls.

R. Narayanan,
Navi Mumbai

Sir — Had the Congress high command handled the conflict between Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu with a firm hand, the situation in Punjab would not have deteriorated to this extent. The Congress itself is responsible for its troubles.

Mitali Barua,
Calcutta

Sir — No one is surprised at Navjot Singh Sidhu’s resignation. Although Sidhu managed to elbow out Amarinder Singh from the chief minister’s post, his hopes of taking the seat himself were shattered with the appointment of Charanjit Singh Channi. As such he has quit the post of the state party chief in what can only be called a tantrum. One hopes that the Congress high command realizes its mistake in supporting Sidhu and takes suitable action against him. He cannot be depended upon in the future.

N. Mahadevan,
Chennai

Unsafe everywhere

Sir — The death of a woman in the United States of America, allegedly at the hands of her male partner, has raised concerns about violence against women. In July, a woman in Pakistan was beheaded by a male acquaintance. Clearly, developed countries are not much different from underdeveloped ones in this respect. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner. It is difficult for victims to speak up in such situations. When they do, society and the justice system often fail them in order to protect the idea of a ‘happy family’.

Rashika Gupta,
Bangalore