The editorial “Tarred by its own brush” (Oct.14) shows that the Shiv Sena has landed itself in a soup through its thoughtless act of throwing black paint on Sudheendra Kulkarni prior to the launch of former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s book in Mumbai, drawing nationwide condemnation. The party has only tarnished its own image and its leadership has to make amends by tendering public apology. No political party should try making up for a dearth of ideas and ideals by indulging in violence, as the Shiv Sena has done.
N.K. Vijayan,Kizhakkambalam
Smearing black paint on a person just because his opinion does not match yours is a completely undemocratic act, violative of the fundamental rights. The act also raises questions on the law and order situation in a State where the people involved in this shameless act belongs to a party which is part of the government. Taking part in the launching of a book of a former Minister is purely a diplomatic activity, yet Shiv Sena did not give up on his un-diplomatic ways to play spoilsport. The party seems to have gone bankrupt when it comes to ideas. It is time for the Centre and the Supreme Court to act to curtail the activities of such extremist parties which affect our relations with other nations.
Santosh Trivedi,Delhi
The Sena’s act was condemnable. However, it raises some troubling questions on our relations with Pakistan, which remains an intransigent foe keen on fomenting terror in India. We, on the other hand, are expected to show ‘tolerance’. We also need to ask if Pakistan would have allowed an Indian to launch his book in their country. The answer is, maybe not. Perhaps Sudheendra Kulkarni was mistaken in his endeavour to promote Mr. Kasuri’s book.
S. Kamat,Alto Santa Cruz, Goa
If the Shiv Sena feels that this is the way to show patriotism, it is totally mistaken. It has defaced not only the city of Mumbai but every Indian who takes pride in its culture. It had once stopped a cricket match between India and Pakistan by digging the playground and, more recently, denied people an opportunity to hear Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali. It is high time that the ruling dispensation sends a strong message condemning such tactics and calls a spade a spade. Credit goes to the organiser in standing up to the shenanigans and making the launch a success.
A. Mohan,Muscat
