Mr. Arvind Kejriwal’s listing of corrupt politicians makes for strange reading (Feb. 1). Perhaps in the process of stretching the word “corrupt” too far, his exercise loses focus and meaning. It would be more logical if he trims the list down to those who are known and proven to be corrupt. In this context, it would be better if Mr. Rahul Gandhi formed his own new party and invited all anti-corruption practitioners, not just crusaders, including members of the Congress party to join it. This will take the wind out of the sails of the Aam Aadmi Party and spell the doom of the much-maligned dynasty politics.
Matthew Adukanil,
Dharmapuri
As a new-generation political outfit, the Aam Aadmi Party appears to be creating waves with its “constructive steps” to cleanse the system. The bold step of naming leaders guilty of corruption and allied wrongs at the national level is to be appreciated, but it is all too vague. The fact is that among the leaders of various national parties, at least 40 per cent are absolutely corrupt. Every citizen knows that. The AAP should work towards compiling an unbiased list and also indicate what it intends to do.
Sudhakar Reddy Kalathuru,
Tirupati
Indian Muslim Spring
“Beyond Mullahs and Marxists” (Feb. 1) threw light on the fact that it is time for the younger generations — of the Muslim and Hindu communities alike — to mobilise opinion on important social issues and not fall prey to religious fundamentalism and those who look to incite communal violence for electoral gains.
Dr. Bhaskar N.,
Tirupati
It was interesting to discover from the excerpts, that young Muslims are aware of the changing national political spectrum and seeking to understand what secularism means to them. There is many a Malala in India too, it would seem!
In this connection, the minority communities that are on the agenda of political parties would do well to keep a couple of important points in mind. First, those outside Kashmir should not trouble themselves over the Article 370 question. Second, the younger generation of Muslims should accept the Uniform Civil Code, which has greatly modernised the majority of Hindus over the last 60 years, as a welcome reform.
B.M. Baliga,
Bangalore
Enforcing good laws
The mere enactment of a law, however potent it may be, cannot create strong deterrence among offenders until the law is made properly enforceable (“Good laws, bad implementation”, Feb. 1). In a vast country like ours, most people are unaware of their rights. Awareness of legal empowerment, efficient redress mechanisms and timely implementation are the need of the hour.
Deepak Bansal,
New Delhi
I can think of only two reasons why our politicians have been unable to curb the proliferation of kangaroo courts. Either they are in sympathy with the views held by these radical institutions, or they are reluctant to exercise their disapproval for fear of losing vote-banks.
Navjot Singh,
Bathinda
The dominance of khap panchayats reiterates the importance of devolving powers and funds to legitimate panchayats. It is crucial that the authority and power of these unrecognised and informal collectives are diminished. An implemented reservation policy in panchayats for Dalits and women can improve their standing.
Chitra Shrivastav,
Madhwapur, Uttar Pradesh
