BJP-Sangh synergy

With reference to ‘Need better ties with neighbours to counter China, says Bhagwat’; Bhagwat praising Modi government’s handling of the China threat, lauding the battle against the pandemic, defending CAA and equating Hindutva with the nation indicates a high degree of synergy between the BJP and the Sangh. Given that BJP derives its ideological inspiration from RSS, and there is a close coordination between the government and the party, Bhagwat’s speech on Vijayadashami has assumed great importance. But the most significant element of Bhagwat’s speech was on the economy. A closer reading of the speech indicates that on political and cultural issues, to a large extent, and on economy to a lesser extent, the government and the RSS have a close overlap.

PS HANSPAUL, by mail

It’s not enough

The bottom line of ‘Improve productivity, efficiency to beat China’ is not as simple as proposed. Creating a synergy or generating the willingness or capacity to assert is a subsequent step. The basic issue is to create a work culture in offices, factories as well as freeing up economic policies from the clutches of populism and vote bank politics. Other countries mean business and focus their efforts for competitive advantage. We focus on the peripherals like catchphrases, slogans, emotions, and then converge at the core issue. By then, much energy is already spent.

Rakesh Sudan, Kurukshetra

Strategic pact

Apropos of ‘BECA boost’, the signing of BECA is a step towards integration of the Indo-Pacific strategies of the two countries. This makes India a close strategic partner of the US, even in the absence of a formal NATO-like alliance. India has made the right move by not giving a free hand to the US, as it has preferred to wait for the next administration to assume office. This has been rightly done, as moving rashly away from Russia would have meant bad diplomacy, given the erratic nature of the US strategy in the past.

Rajiv Boolchand Jain, Zirakpur

Waste disposal

Apropos of ‘DC directs MCs to ensure safe disposal of waste’, it is a commendable and inspiring decision. People are concerned about environment protection, but there is no proper system for the dumping and disposal of waste. It is imperative to ensure the working of this system without fail. Organisations like the Sulabh International must come forward to take up the task. Proper recycling of waste, particularly glass and construction waste, needs attention.

RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

Low interest on deposits

When a person deposits money in his bank account, the bank can lend other people that money. The depositing customer gains a small amount in return by way of interest on the deposits and the lending customer pays a larger amount to the bank in return as interest on loans. Despite the fact that deposits are bread and butter for the bank, the banks are offering benefits to the borrowers instead of depositors. All benefits are for the borrowers at the cost of depositors. Senior citizens who are dependent on income from interest are suffering because of banks.

SC DHALL, ZIRAKPUR

Neglecting parents

The menace of discarding elderly parents who spend their life and exhaust all resources in bringing up their offspring is difficult to understand (‘Why not adopt the elderly?’). Elders need only a few words of love and affection and a warm touch to get enthused. Nobody can repay parents for the sacrifices they make for their children. It is the duty of everyone to look after the elders so that they do not feel lonely.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Voters being careless

In the Bihar elections, people have turned up to vote in large numbers, about 54 per cent, in the first phase, despite the prevailing threat in the aftermath of Covid-19. It is the sign of a healthy and vibrant democracy. This is the first election in India post pandemic. However, people were seen violating the special code of conduct set by the Election Commission, like coming en masse to polling booths and not wearing masks. The Chief Election Commissioner thanked the people for coming out in large numbers and exercising their right to vote, but he should also make efforts to spread awareness about social distancing, the use of masks and sanitisers for the successful and safe conduct of elections.

Yashi Bairagi, by mail

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