Nationalist Congress Party chief >Sharad Pawar’s abrupt statement warning of the possibility of a snap poll in Maharashtra is an irresponsible one (Nov. 19). However, it is not quite surprising given the crude nature of, and craze for power among, politicians in general. Seasoned politicians like Mr. Pawar need to understand that a poor country like India cannot afford to conduct elections frequently. In Maharashtra, the BJP appears to be caught between the devil and the deep sea in the form of the NCP and the Shiv Sena.
S. Ramakrishnasayee,
Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
Mr. Pawar, being the shrewd politician that he is, is not being naive when he suggests that his party cadres should be battle-ready. He seems to be eyeing a larger share of the political pie in the State after sensing that the leaders of the BJP and the Shiv Sena might not find common ground easily. As the government may eventually crumble, his plank of support will keep him in good stead. It is unfortunate that the citizens of Maharashtra are being made to pay dearly for their own indecisive verdict. It is also a lesson for once-natural political allies.
Sivamani Vasudevan,
Chennai
