With Kashmir still bleeding and parts of Gujarat in flames, comes one of the most obnoxious remarks ever made against a woman politician, vitiating the social and political atmosphere even further (“ >BJP sacks U.P. leader for insulting Mayawati ”, July 21). It is not enough for Home Minister Rajnath Singh to convey a sense of hurt at such happenings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In volatile situations such as these, the Prime Minister ought to make a statement in Parliament to both Houses expressing his deep anguish. Mr. Modi can no longer choose the timing of his monologue to the nation either through a ‘Mann Ki Baat’ or tweets. He must speak when the nation wants to hear from him.
S.K. Choudhury,
Bengaluru
The derogatory remarks against Ms. Mayawati are yet another sign that the level of public discourse in the country has touched a nadir. It is reprehensible that such senseless, unwarranted and sexist remarks are being made by people in responsible positions and with nary a care about the consequences of their acts or the wanton hurt that they inflict. It has also become customary for netas to cross all limits and then tender belated apologies, which again are rarely from the heart. While the BJP has acted swiftly, it can hardly undo the hurt caused to one of India’s leading Dalit icons. There seems to be a large stock of loose cannons in the BJP.
C.V. Aravind,
Bengaluru
