Wharton & Modi

Both articles that debated “Modi and the Wharton affair” (March 9) were thought-provoking. The Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi might have succeeded in showcasing his undisputed strength in the State but he seems unsure of his acceptability elsewhere. This is the reason his supporters try to improve his image in the global arena — to influence voters back home. The attempts by interested parties who, with ample assistance from large sections of the media, exhort people to move past the 2002 pogrom and compare it with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots are clearly motivated. It is indeed a matter of deep concern that a big fillip is being given to divisive politics.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Srirangam

The Wharton India Economic Forum is at liberty to decide who it wants to invite for a function it is holding. But inviting a person and then disinviting him, for whatever reason, are unacceptable. By disinviting Mr. Modi, who was invited to deliver the keynote address, Wharton has actually done him a favour. His rating is sure to increase. However, the fact that a democratically elected Chief Minister has been treated shabbily warrants the Centre’s intervention.

Ettirankandath Krishnadas,

Palakkad

We had a Prime Minister-in-waiting in L.K. Advani. After years of waiting, he was discarded by the BJP. Mr. Modi is now being offered the post. But he is to be judged by us, the people. They cannot forget his role in the 2002 riots, when his government turned a blind eye to the massacre of the minorities. His personal attacks on Prime Minster Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi show that he depends on cheap tactics to make himself popular.

Uneducated people clap their hands unknowingly or unwittingly at meetings on hearing such talk and leaders like Mr. Modi think they are great.

R.K. George,

Tiruvalla