Inhumane idea

Sir — Spending a night in jail can be terrifying for most. But the Haldwani prison administration in Uttarakhand has come up with a unique initiative under which tourists can experience the reality of incarceration by renting a room in the jail for a nominal sum of Rs 500 a night. Not just tourists, but those who have been advised by their astrologers to stave off bad karma from their horoscopes can also avail the facility. The reality of being jailed — a harrowing experience — must not be reduced to a frivolity. Matters related to the criminal justice system should be handled with utmost sensitivity.

Satakshi Singh, Noida

Constant churn

Sir — Mallikarjun Kharge’s possible election as the Congress president seems to be a foregone conclusion. His candidacy has received the backing of several party leaders, including the rebel group, G-23 (“Kharge plus G23 faces vs Tharoor”, Oct 1). But if Kharge becomes the party chief, will anything change for the Congress? Even though Kharge is a veteran Dalit leader, he is a staunch loyalist of the Gandhi family. This could result in the continuity of the present state of affairs. If elected, his first order of business should be to solve the internal crisis in Rajasthan. Kharge must function without the interference of the Gandhis. The other presidential candidate, Shashi Tharoor, however, is known for his independent views. He might be able to galvanise the disenchanted members of the party, especially the youth.

S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru

Sir — The chief minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, withdrew from the Congress presidential race after policymakers loyal to him blocked the elevation of the state’s former deputy chief minister, Sachin Pilot, to the top job (“Gehlot out of race, suspense mounts in Cong”, Sept 30). The arrangement of Gehlot as the party chief and Pilot succeeding him as the chief minister of Rajasthan seemed convenient and in line with Congress’s policy of ‘one person, one post’. However, the recent episode has shown that factionalism continues to plague the Grand Old Party. The high command’s inability to resolve inner feuds has already cost the party dearly in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.

S.S. Paul, Nadia

Long delay

Sir — The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan as the next chief of defence staff. There has been a massive delay in the appointment. The post fell vacant after the former CDS, Bipin Rawat, passed away in an air crash last year. Even though Chauhan has extensive military experience, he retired in May 2021. It would have been prudent to elevate one of the three serving chiefs of the armed forces to the seniormost post.

S. Kamat, Alto Santa Cruz, Goa

Welcome move

Sir — The world football governing body, Fifa, has released a three-episode series on the life and the career of the Indian football captain, Sunil Chhetri (“Fifa doffs hat to Chhetri”, Sept 29). Chhetri is the third highest international goal-scorer in the world among active players. His achievements should be celebrated more often. The Fifa series will inspire budding players across the world.

Sourish Misra, Calcutta

Back to work

Sir — It is heartening that thousands of dhakis are travelling to various states across India to perform at Durga Puja pandals after a hiatus of two years. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic had badly affected their livelihood. Pujas are the only time that they can earn a living from their craft. Hopefully, the renewal of Puja festivities without restrictions will prove to be a boon for the traditional drummers.

Amit Brahmo, Calcutta