The Congress’s alliance with Hardik Patel for mere electoral benefits is another setback for the country at the macro level (“Congress, Hardik reach deal on quota”, Nov. 23). While this alliance is not unprecedented, it will incentivise more caste groups to convert themselves into political pressure groups to garner benefits from the government. India already provides reservations to backward groups and it is time the reservation policy is re-examined. Even if regional parties align themselves with caste groups, at least pan-Indian parties like the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party must refrain from doing so.
Mayukh Devadas,
Thrissur
Giving reservations as a sop has become common, with little thought regarding the consequences. In the last few years, we have seen the Marathas, Jats, and the Patidars demanding reservations in education and jobs. But when it comes to implementing these, most parties have run into problems. The law frowns on reservation beyond a certain limit (50%, as per Supreme Court directions). Reservations have become permanent entitlements, not the temporary tools of affirmative action they are supposed to be. A quota is not an end in itself.
Vani A.,
Secunderabad
There is no valid reason for the people of Gujarat to accept the call of Hardik Patel to defeat the BJP, which, with its good governance, brought laurels to the State and made it a model for the rest of the country. When provision of quota to new castes is a constitutional matter and subject to various court directions, how can Mr. Patel or the Congress fulfil this promise?
Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,
Hyderabad
