Protest as drama

It is worth considering the theory that the dramatic protest in New Delhi was just that — stage-managed drama (“A protest before PM pays”, Jan. 30). The Congress has long been known to play the game of minority appeasement to sustain vote-banks. The protester, Faheem Baig, did not make a particularly earth-shattering point in suggesting that existing schemes be implemented before new ones are launched. Moreover, Mr. Baig appears really to be concerned only about the benefits to the religious minority of which he is a member. For the Prime Minister to take serious stock of the banal complaint and immediately make a show of directing the Minority Affairs Minister to look into the demands reeks of a farcically contrived situation. Further, it is noteworthy that the protester was not detained — perhaps in order that the government can be portrayed in a democratically positive light.

P.R.V. Raja,Pandalam, Kerala

Taking up the minorities' cause before such high-profile personalities was an act of courage. Mr. Baig is justified in lamenting the lack of political intent to implement and execute schemes for the religious minorities. It was also heartening to see a swift response from the Prime Minister. However, the sight of Mr. Baig being dragged out of the venue left a bad taste in the mouth. Is it a crime to state a case before the nation’s highest authority?

J.A. Padmananabhan,Srirangam, Tamil Nadu

Bogarting public platforms to voice private opinion is becoming a fad. This phenomenon, which has gained currency in the modern world where democracy and freedom of expression are being valorised, is often a bid for media attention and the spotlight. One need not construe the rise in such public protests as a sign of the government going deaf.

Arvind Devashish Toppo,

New Delhi