Those who consider The Hindu the most valuable English daily are used to objective and non-sectarian editorial messages. The editorial “Drift, dissonance, disappointment” (May 25), which analyses the performance and non-performance of UPA-II, was outstanding in its objectivity and truthfulness, a masterpiece of journalism in the service of truth and, therefore, the nation.
It articulates the reasons for the infinite sadness of all true lovers of India, including the voiceless toiling masses. I pray that the editorial be seen and read carefully by all Congress leaders in the Union government, the State governments, districts and panchayats, irrespective of whether the party is in power or in the Opposition. It would be recognised as an urgent wake-up call before it is too late.
Sister M. Johanna Brandstaetter,
Bangalore
The editorial sums up the disappointing performance of the UPA-II so far. It is a moot point, however, whether the first avatar was any better. One cannot help feeling that Manmohan Singh is unable to get the cooperation of his allies or discipline his own partymen who make contradictory statements. Politicking within the Congress is more in evidence than ever before.
V. Balachandran,
Bangalore
The editorial, read with the news analysis and the cartoon (May 25), was a superb comment on UPA-II's performance. That Dr. Singh is Mr. Clean will not solve the problems of the country. He is indecisive on many issues; he has no control over his Ministers. We need a man of action at the helm. Even the “positives” attributed to him do not lead the country anywhere. It is time he acted tough in the interest of the nation.
K. Kasi,
Chennai
Although the Congress is the leader of the UPA, it cannot go ahead with reforms without the cooperation of the smaller parties constituting the alliance. The Opposition has been in confrontational mode from the very beginning of UPA-II, stalling parliamentary proceedings on many occasions. The pluses are more than the minuses as far as the progress report of UPA-II is concerned, though more could have been done to build consensus on issues such as dealing with Pakistan and tackling the naxal menace. The failure to rein in price rise is its biggest single failure.
D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore
