Protests against Modi

The police had put up barricades to prevent those protesting and raising slogans from entering the Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, where Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi addressed the students on Wednesday. It was a pathetic scene to see a large number of policemen physically guarding the barricades and pushing the protesters away.

Just as the Verma Commission was formed to suggest ways to prevent crime against women, I think a committee should be formed to suggest ways of preventing violence during protests. No doubt protests are democratic. Protesters can show black flags and raise slogans but they should not force themselves into an area cordoned off by the authorities. The police should not be blamed for using force when protesters break barricades.

S.S. Mani,

Indore

Mr. Modi’s rabble-rousing speech highlighted his penchant for self-glorification. His national ambitions are very clear. With the Gujarat Chief Minister winning three successive elections, the BJP has no choice but to project him as its prime ministerial candidate. But it would be detrimental for the country if a person of Mr. Modi’s repute becomes Prime Minister.

Dipankar Baidya,Kolkata