Your interview-based cover story with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was interesting (‘I am not at all tense about the Supreme Court verdict; we have the majority’, May 21). This is, perhaps, Shinde’s longest interview ever. It seems to me that Shinde is confident of his success.
When he became chief minister, nobody expected Shinde to last so long. It is surprising that the BJP leaders have not interfered in Shinde’s work, and have given him all the freedom.
The onus was on Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray to curtail the growing rebellion in the erstwhile Shiv Sena. They should have not let Shinde desert them. But they failed miserably.
Arjun Khatri,
On email.
Shinde’s popularity will only grow from here. I am glad that the Maharashtra government, under Shinde, is hastening investment approvals. There is so much that the chief minister of Maharashtra can do.
I don’t agree with the view that Shinde is a puppet chief minister in the hands of the BJP. In the coming years he will carry forward the legacy of Bal Thackeray. The political clout of Uddhav Thackeray is all but over.
Renju Ramachandran,
On email.
Your cover story on Shinde was interesting. It was his calm and tactful nature that helped Shinde pull the carpet from under Uddhav’s feet―like a surgical strike. Shinde, no doubt, is a grassroots leader who worked his way up.
However, Shinde’s influence is limited to Thane and Mumbai, and he has to put in a lot of effort to become popular across Maharashtra. This is where the BJP will play a key role. Come 2024, and we will know how many seats the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will win.
Dilip Gurjar,
On email.
Modi will return
I fully agree with the views of Meenakshi Lekhi (‘Forthwrite’, May 21). No modern leader in India has connected with the masses in the manner that Narendra Modi has. The impact of the Karnataka assembly elections will have no bearing on the popularity of the Union government. Modi is sure to come back to power in 2024. He continues to consolidate his grip on power.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
Opposition parties are getting together only to oppose Modi. They have no agenda or manifesto in place for the benefit of the country. Modi’s vision for new India, his positive approach, far-sightedness and presentations have been globally appreciated.
Ashok Nihalani,
On email.
Popularity fading
The British public support for the monarchy is not like how it used to be. While most old people in Great Britain think that the monarch is the fountain of all honour and dignity, a growing number of people have dismissed King Charles III as ‘Not my king’ (‘Detour’, May 21). Young people below the age of 30 feel that monarchy is no longer needed.
All said and done, King Charles III must be lauded for keeping the coronation a subdued affair. He also injected a dosage of multiculturalism into the rituals by including representatives from all faiths.
Kangayam R. Narasimhan,
On email.
Bow in respect
I appreciate THE WEEK for doing a cover package on Nita Ambani; she is the most dynamic woman around (‘I want to represent the youth of the country’, May 14). I bow my head before Ms Ambani for having said: “My goal is to bring the Olympics to India”. And, ”Want to see our children dream, aspire and achieve.”
Just imagine the reaction of crores of poor people in the country if she had said: “My life’s ambition is to get free education and health care to every child born in India.”
K.L. Prasad,
On email.
Great going
I was happy when Philip Mathew mentioned the 1982 Asian Games and how it transformed Delhi (‘Letter from the Editor’, May 14). [Back then] I was director, in-charge, information and publicity of the Asian Games. The first coloured photography laboratory came up in Delhi at that time.
I liked your cover story on Nita Ambani; it was informative and encouraging. She is a member of the International Olympic Committee. I was involved in the first ever IOC general session held in Delhi in 1983, inaugurated by president Giani Zail Singh. There was a consensus among members after the session that India can host the Olympics.
Since I have been vice president of the Indian Olympic Association, I am aware on how India succeeded in getting the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi after defeating Canada in voting. Since 1982, we have never won the bid to host another Asian Games. Having said that, India has hosted many international tournaments. The entire nation will be very happy if Ambani succeeds in her mission.
I must praise Mathew for his efforts in producing the most readable magazine. I am proud of my association with his family.
Tarlochan Singh,
ex-MP and former chairman, National Commission of Minorities,
On email.
Watch The Kerala Story
As usual, Swara Bhasker’s column drew an illogical conclusion (‘Bitter Chocolate’, May 14). I presume she hasn’t seen videos that show Hindu girls being forced to convert to Islam.
While Bhasker may not like The Kerala Story, she should know that many Hindus in Kerala have liked the film.
Is Syria a Hindu nation? Is Taliban a Hindu organisation? Is Pakistan a Hindu nation? And Bhasker said Muslim rulers are framed to be barbaric. Let her watch The Kerala Story and understand the reality. I dare her!
Aparna Prabhu,
On email.