The merger between AIADMK (Amma) and AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) has been on the cards for some time now. The ‘nullification’ of TTV Dhinakaran’s appointment as deputy general secretary as a pre-condition for the proposed merger suggests VK Sasikala also being given the boot. How the party cadres torn in their loyalties react to the sidelining of Chinnamma and the nephew of the Mannargudi clan will be of interest and closely watched.
The buzz is that reunited AIADMK sans Sasikala may be inducted into the NDA, something it believes will fortify itself. The BJP hopes to piggyback on AIADMK to expand its base in Tamil Nadu and win some seats to make up for the likely shortfall in seats in the Hindi belt in 2019. The AIADMK is not the quintessential Dravidian party and its ideological proclivities are not quite hostile to the Hindutva ideology. A BJP-AIADMK alliance would not embarrass either of them or surprise people. The political picture is crystallising with DMK and Congress at one pole and AIADMK and the BJP at the opposite pole leaving smaller parties to gravitate towards either of them.
G David Milton
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
The news of a possible merger between the two factions of the AIADMK, any time soon, augurs well for the party. The party has been facing uncertainty ever since J Jayalalithaa passed away taking a heavy toll on the state administration. The party’s decision to distance itself from Sasikala and clip the wings of TTV Dhinakaran should also be well received. A reunited AIADMK in league with the BJP could prove to be more than a handful for the opposition DMK.
NJ Ravi Chander
Bengaluru
Pumping up
This refers to the report ‘SoftBank’s $ 2.5 b gives Flipkart more ammo’ (August 11). The $2.5 billion must be seen as an endorsement of the global investors faith in the growth potential of India’s e-commerce market. India is the fastest growing e-commerce market in the world.
The new tranche of investment of investment will definitely help Flipkart to put its house in order and take on its arch competitor, Amazon more effectively given its technological edge and money power. Amazon has also firmed up investment to the tune of $5 billion and is likely to up it in view of the SoftBank’s investment. But the question is when will the e-tailers make profits. How long can the present business model of building volumes at the cost profits continue?
Philip Sabu
Thrissur
Bullet points
This refers to “Does India need bullet trains?” by Raghu Dayal (August 11). More than bullet trains or high speed trains what India requires today is an efficient railway network and clean platforms, coaches and availability of good food in trains. People have high hopes from the Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu who is known for his efficiency and clean record.
Hence for promoting tourism, creating job opportunities, improving transport facilities bold reforms are required in Indian Railways. Private investment/partnership and foreign direct investment should be allowed in the Railways for improving passenger facilities/comforts, safety and cleanliness in Indian railways. The Railways should not be used not as a political tool but for economic growth and development. With improved railways, the tourism sector will get a boost, which in turn can bolster the economy.
Veena Shenoy
Thane, Maharashtra
Finance’s mojo
The financial system could be creditworthy when all the components of real economy are healthy. Consumers are confining themselves to gold and property. The private sector, which has grown on consumption demand, is taken care of by the banks and hence does not have to rely on the capital market to mobilise funds.
Domestic investors are fearful of investing in stocks as valuation can change year to year. Long-term development financing is not needed at this stage. Financing was different under licensing and free market. Banking funds are always an easier option compared to corporate bonds, as the latter calls for getting a credit rating.
RK Arya
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