Patronage politics

The report, “ >AIADMK’s mega plans prompt SC plea ” (May 22), takes me back to the article, “ >The matriarch and patronage politics ” (“Sunday Anchor” page, May 17) which succinctly explained how “patronage politics” plays a major and decisive role — also at the crux of this plea. This kind of politics is now staple in Tamil Nadu, practised to the hilt by the two major Dravidian political parties. Offering “freebies” to woo voters, particularly those from the lower strata and who form the core of the State’s vote bank, is the order of the day. It is this which has helped Ms.Jayalalithaa boost her image and enabled her to attain cult status and which will also play a key role in the State elections. In the end, it is a pity that in Tamil Nadu, the quality and image of a political leader is finally decided by this formula and not by his/her honesty and integrity.

R. Sivakumar,

Chennai

Denied a job

The report, “Diamond exporter charged for denying Muslim a job” (May 22), is not surprising. It is a fact that in many cities, there is deep discrimination towards the minorities which includes denying them accommodation; in Mumbai and Gujarat, Muslims often find it very hard to get a house on rent. Baseless discrimination will only result in the secular fabric of this country being ruined.

N.Visveswaran,

Chennai

I vividly remember, a report published a few years ago in this daily, on a staff member attached to a Primary Health Centre in a village in Gulbarga district of Karnataka and who attended to all needs of patients visiting the centre. He even fed the birds that nested in the trees in the compound, did a small pooja everyday and distributed prasadam — all at his cost. When he retired, he was much feted. He was also a “Muslim”. In contrast to this, the report on Zeshan Ali Khan’s plight made for sad reading.

Sivamani Vasudevan,

Chennai

It is difficult to see the incident in isolation given the atmosphere of hate created and sustained by right-wing elements in the last year. The firm’s attempt to portray the incident as some sort of clerical error committed by a trainee does not wash as matters such as recruitment are too important to be handled by a fresher. Mr. Zeshan deserves appreciation for his bold decision to go public on the matter. One hopes that the young man is not denied justice by the Maharashtra government.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Tiruchi