It is strange that in the analysis of one year of the Narendra Modi government, most commentators, so far, have made the assumption that India cannot produce another world-class leader (‘Sunday Anchor’ page, May 24). Why cannot these ‘scholars’ see the importance of the personal connection that Mr. Modi has established with leaders all over the world? Just because Manmohan Singh’s overseas visits did not attract the crowds, one cannot be dismissive of Mr. Modi’s charisma.
Sweety Kumari,New Delhi
One year of the BJP-led government does not seem to augur well for our democracy (“Regressive phase”, May 24). The disregard for parliamentary procedures is spiralling out of control. Mr. Modi’s fleeting appearances in Parliament are conspicuous. Standing committees are being bypassed in the name of “speed mantra” government policies. Mr. Modi has failed to address the apprehensions of the minority communities while his ‘much acclaimed’ development schemes have still not brought succour to the lives of the marginalised millions.
N.C. Sreedharan,Kannur
India and China were on the same wavelength during the 1980s till Deng Xiaoping’s reforms made the difference (the Pankaj Mishra-Basharat Peer interview, May 24). Our flawed democratic experiments left us way behind the dictatorial decisiveness of the CCP albeit with sufferings. Today, the Chinese can boast of magnificent success which even the Americans acknowledge. During the hard period of reforms and reconstruction, leaders of the Chinese party did their job with exemplary determination and which has resulted in a holistic economic miracle. The Modi government should absorb the appropriate lessons.
Parthasarathy Sen,New Delhi
