The ongoing tussle in Uttar Pradesh for political supremacy, between father and son — Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and State Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav — appears to be a game set up to hoodwink people of the State (“Mulayam offers olive branch, says Akhilesh will be CM”, Jan.10). There is hardly any democracy in Uttar Pradesh as the political set-up is only dynastic rule in the guise of democracy. Another point is the way in which voters are being treated like a herd of cattle. It remains to be seen whether the common man will see through the game plan and act in a sensible way in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Nikhil Akhilesh Krishnan,
Mumbai
The ongoing tussle between Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav should serve as an eye-opener for our ageing politicians. Having tasted power and fame, they do not want let go. The veterans have had their time and should gracefully exit, paving the way for the young to take over. The young should be allowed to bring fresh ideas and vigour into the system.
Radhakrishnan A.P.,
Bengaluru
Till recently, father and son were like the two wheels of a bicycle, with one propelling and the other steering it. Now that there is much animosity and flip-flops over a patch-up, the two wheels are not likely to move in one direction. The Election Commission of India should freeze the symbol and allot them other symbols so that they can tread their desired paths.
R.K. Kshitheesh,
Thiruvananthapuram
Expulsion, reinstatement, expulsion, reinstatement — the cycle continues within the Samajwadi Party. It is obvious that there is no long-term strategy within the party despite Assembly elections being round the corner. The bad blood is bound to tarnish the party’s image and result in a shift in the vote bank. Mulayam Singh should realise that only Akhilesh Yadav can save the party as no other party leader has the ability to attract voters. The battle needs to be fought jointly.
Ravi M. Singh,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
