A.G. Noorani writes “From 2004, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani kept attacking Dr. Singh for every conciliatory move ...” in his article “ >Manmohan Singh’s abject surrender ” (Jan. 24). It would be interesting to see the proof of the assertion, particularly when Mr. Vajpayee has been virtually absent from the political scene since 2004. Mr. Noorani blames the BJP and the electronic media for the failure of the India-Pakistan peace process, conveniently forgetting the role of the Pakistan military-jihadi nexus (including 26/11), whose primary objective is to destabilise India.
The author further says the Prime Minister is a “man of vision” who “surrendered” before the media. Why did he not “surrender” to the media on other issues — corruption, for instance? Is he selective in his deference towards the electronic media?
Nisheeth Yadav,
Ghaziabad
The electronic media is indeed doing a disservice to the nation by provoking viewers. The Delhi gang rape case assumed bigger proportions only because of interviews with hardliners. The instances of rape are comparatively less in our country. But the TV channels made it appear as though we are the worst sinners in the world. They added fuel to the raging fire by airing the views of those clamouring for publicity. In the latest instance of tensions on the Line of Control in Jammu, an unfortunate incident that should have passed off has been blown up affecting our foreign policy and diplomacy. Those who want to cause chaos and confusion magnified a local incident. Their intentions were well served by the electronic media.
It has been rightly pointed out that many TV anchors turn opinion makers. Reporters do not just report facts; they create fiction.
V. Rajagopalan,
Chennai
