The passing of Union Rural Development Minister Gopinath Munde, a mass leader, following a car accident (June 4) shows lack of road safety norms, human error and negligence, and non-compliance with standard operating procedures relating to VIP movements. The fact that leaders across the political spectrum have paid tributes to him reveals his popularity and political reach. His demise is a great loss to both the BJP and the country.
A.S. Malhotra,New Delhi
With his deep roots in rural India, Gopinath Munde could have done wonders. It is unfortunate that India has lost a capable and dynamic leader.
V.K. Dadhich,Chennai
Even a Union Minister is not safe while on the road in India. Statistics show that nearly 1,50,000 people die and over five lakh people are injured in road traffic accidents every year in India. Most are preventable if only there is greater enforcement of traffic laws and increased awareness on road safety.
A.V. Ramanathan,Chennai
The incident shows an abysmal lack of road safety rules. While only an investigation can reveal the actual cause, one can say that road rules are better enforced in other parts of the world, especially in West Asia. In the Sultanate of Oman, for example, overshooting the red signal results in the driver being fined on the spot and imprisoned for 48 hours.
The unfortunate incident in Delhi shows that the speed of all motor vehicles on the road should be carefully monitored.
K.S. Muthukumarasamy,Mettupalayam
