With reference to ‘Modi chooses performance over politics’ (September 3), the Cabinet reshuffle is merely aimed at the Lok Sabha elections, 2019. Nirmala Sitharaman’s elevation not only symbolises the rise of woman power but will strengthen the BJP’s growing influence in South India. Arun Jaitley is perhaps required to devote more time to deal with economic problems such as the failure of demonetization, the sharp fall of GDP, post-GST concerns and so on.
The rejig was necessary to deflect people’s attention as the BJP is now mired in a number of embarrassing situations. However, this is not enough to gain the people’s confidence if major concerns such as unemployment, corruption, and price hikes are not seriously addressed.
Buddhadev Nandi
Bishnupur, West Bengal
Some surprises
This refers to the editorial, ‘Perform or perish’ (September 3). With initiatives like Skill India, Make in India and others not fetching the desirable results so far and general elections less than two years away, the PM has introduced new faces and removed underperformers from his cabinet. It will be interesting to see how Nirmala Sitharaman balances Make in India with strengthening defence capabilities. Piyush Goyal is a good choice for Railways. While it is creditable that politics has taken a back seat in this reshuffle, it’s puzzling why KL Alphons was not given housing and urban development and Hardeep Singh Puri, trade.
Bal Govind
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
The reshuffle was the final major opportunity for the Sovernment to indicate that it meant business. The public feels that structural reform measures have not led to industrial growth which is vital for the creation of jobs. Also, the entire burden of GST has been passed on to the public by the business community resulting in increase in prices of all items. No doubt meritocracy has prevailed in this round, but the real test starts now.
Srinivasan Velamur
Chennai
The PM deserves praise for breaking the glass ceiling and making Nirmala Sitharaman the defence minister. The inclusion of bureaucrats will refurbish the image of the Government.
Philip Sabu
Thrissur, Kerala
The total strength of the Cabinet has risen to 75, contradicting the PM’s claim of “less government and maximum governance”. India is plagued by poverty, illiteracy and hunger. Vested interests are bent on disturbing communal harmony. Economic reforms have not yet gained speed. The issue of unemployment remains unsolved. The growth of affluence in society is not real progress. There’s much to tackle.
Jayant Mukherjee
Kolkata
Social injustice
Had Jayalalithaa been alive, the BJP would not have had the guts to insist on NEET. Based on the CBSE syllabus, this exam is disadvantageous to those under the State board. In fact, NEET is against social justice; it is an instrument to make it easier for social elites to get into medical colleges, denying opportunities to students from humble backgrounds. In the absence of ‘inherited privileges’ the Rohith Vemulas and Anithas, despite their brilliance, lose out in the battle for opportunities and dignity. Perhaps in ‘New India’ underprivileged students are required to accept denial of access to medical education as their ‘patriotic duty’.
G David Milton
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sour fact
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics by the poultry and meat industries (along with pharma industries) is not only imperilling the lives of people but also wreaking havoc on the environment. That antibiotics are being used even on tiny creatures like honeybees is alarming. The drugs ultimately find their way into honey and consumers’ bodies. It is high time governments put an end to this menace by enforcing strict compliance with healthy livestock-raising and waste management practices in animal farming industries.
CV Krishna Manoj
Hyderabad
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