Confidence vote

That Nitish Kumar sailed through the confidence vote in the Bihar Assembly and retained the government headed by the Janata Dal (United), which recently severed its ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party, is a stoic reminder of his political candour and mental sturdiness. The Congress’s help was timely. The developments will enhance the secular image of Mr. Kumar and the Congress. The Bihar Chief Minister’s attack on Narendra Modi and his brand of politics will surely unsettle the already disgruntled BJP.

Arjun R. Shankar,

Thiruvananthapuram

That Mr. Kumar would win the vote of confidence was a forgone conclusion. Predictably, the Congress had no problem supporting him. However, the fact remains that the JD (U) secured 115 seats in the 2010 Assembly elections in alliance with the BJP. If Mr. Kumar was so sanctimonious about his secular credentials, he could have very well stated before the elections that his party would have no truck with the BJP as long as Narendra Modi was its member.

Bihar just reinforces the fact that there are no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests in politics. No political wisdom is required to see that Mr. Kumar is eyeing the Muslim vote in Bihar by blasting Mr. Modi.

C.G. Kuriakose,

Kothamangalam

This refers to Mr. Kumar’s statement that there is only one idea, the idea of India. All parties articulate the idea of India in a manner that helps them garner votes. Politicians change strategies every five years to suit the situation. They make use of caste, sub-caste, religion and what not. Once they get elected, it is all about the numbers game.

Ahamad Fuad,

Kochi