Divisive

The honouring of “tainted” MLAs by the BJP and the Samajwadi Party at two separate rallies in Uttar Pradesh (Nov.22) is not only an ugly show of hatred but also a challenge to our democracy and its values of tolerance. Do politicians think that people will appreciate such arrogance by glorifying the deeds of the accused in riot cases? These incidents only show that our politicians will stoop to any level to grab power.

A. Abdul Razack,

Perundurai

The three who were “honoured” were allegedly “involved in inciting communal riots in the State.” Honouring and patronising criminals is the norm with every political party, national or regional, because most of them have sizeable vote banks which are available for an “honourable” price.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),

Palakkad

The way the BJP and the SP have honoured people accused of a major crime shows the level to which politics in the country has deteriorated. It would be ideal if political parties boycott such leaders until they are proven not guilty. But this is just wishful thinking as there are considerable political gains to be made from such appearances.

Yashwanth Kumar Karri,

Visakhapatnam