Putting an end to the custom of using red beacons on VIP vehicles is a historic decision (“Modi shows red light to beacons of VIP privilege”, April 20). Rather than lowering the status of VIPs, the government has raised the status of ordinary citizens through this move. The next step should be to abolish VIP counters in religious places like temples. Everyone is equal before god too.
K.A. Solaman,
Alappuzha, Kerala
Offensive appurtenances of power, like official cars flaunting the red beacon light, are symbols of political inequality that vitiate the democratic ethos of the Constitution. The elites seem to utilise the pompous display of power and privilege to remind citizens that, notwithstanding what the law affirms about equality, some are more important than others. By doing away with this privilege, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has struck a massive blow for egalitarianism.
The term ‘VIP’ is an anachronism; an inappropriate coinage that has surprisingly survived more than six decades of Independence. We must banish this terminology. Historically, language has been one of the tools employed by aristocrats to perpetuate their hegemony over society. It is unfortunate that our political rulers and bureaucrats appropriated a feudal legacy to exhibit an imperial mindset.
When the ruling classes refuse to imbibe and embody the concept of political equality as a way of life, there seems to be no alternative other than forcing them to be humble before the public.
V.N. Mukundarajan,
Thiruvananthapuram
Though this is a good decision, it cannot perish deep-rooted VIP culture in our country. The foremost issue perpetuating VIP culture in India is the public’s lack of accessibility to political leaders. Whenever a minister or leader visits any place, the plethora of cars and security personnel escorting him or her gives the sense that these leaders are beyond our reach. Action needs to be taken against the large cavalcades following ministers. It is also time for political leaders and bureaucrats to meet people, listen to their grievances and make efforts to address them. Until and unless there is accessibility, VIP culture is here to stay.
Gagan Pratap Singh,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
While Mr. Modi has done well by addressing the issue of VIP culture, there are still people like Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad who act as though they are special, even violently asserting that attitude despite nationwide condemnation for the same. There are perhaps many Gaikwads in India. It is to be seen how the Prime Minister deals with them. We also need to do away with special privileges accorded to VIPs in trains, airplanes and other places.
V.S. Ganeshan,
Bengaluru
