Your cover story on the Wagner group rebellion in Russia, and the inside story of how Yevgeny Prigozhin built up his empire and got closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin was informative (‘How Kremlin got its gremlin’, July 16).
But everything seems like a choreographed revolt. Putin is powerful, and in today’s Russia there is nobody to challenge him. The latest development is only going to enhance Putin’s image. Prigozhin was cultivated by Putin to help him during crises.
I am sure there are many like Prigozhin, whose whereabouts and plans remain unknown. Hats off to THE WEEK for having covered the developments in Russia so well; I bet no other news publication in India can do what you have done.
Nikhil Kapur,
On email.
I doubt if we will ever see Prigozhin again publicly. He will be put in hiding forever. Russia is on the ballot later this year, and Putin will win again. Inside Russia, opposition voices have been crushed like never before. It is worrying that no politician in Russia can dare to take on Putin.
The fall of Putin will come about only through armed insurrection, and not through the ballot. I guess his critics will have to wait till then.
K.G. Pramod,
On email.
Thank you for such a comprehensive cover story on how Putin played Wagner. All this time I was confused about Wagner, Prigozhin and who was fighting in Ukraine. But your cover story cleared my doubts.
I had never imagined that fighting a war can be outsourced. It is a dangerous trend. If this is how it goes, all ex-service personnel, dacoits and criminals would soon find lucrative jobs in private military companies. To keep themselves busy and for financial gains, they will start creating fear and even wars.
It is high time nations thought beyond their borders and honestly worked for peace.
Dilip Gurjar,
On email.
All these details about how Putin played Wagner is of no interest to an average Indian. Whether Putin continues or not, India will share good ties with Russia. Putin has consistently moved towards greater consolidation of his power. It is to his advantage that many Asian countries, like India, are less judgmental of Russia’s human rights record.
Amarnath Gopalan,
On email.
BJP’s image tarnished
The BJP should not have gone behind the NCP and roped in Ajit Pawar, who has corruption cases against him. This will run contrary to the BJP’s attempt to create a narrative against the NCP’s dynasty politics (‘The pawar of dreams’, July 16). It will also severely tarnish the BJP’s image in Maharashtra ahead of the 2024 elections.
It reflects badly on the BJP, if its leaders go on a breaking spree. There are already talks of the BJP breaking the JD(U) and the RJD. Have people of the country elected the BJP to break other political parties?
The photograph of Sharad Pawar addressing a rally in heavy rains in 2019 went viral and helped the NCP come to power in 2019. Today, Pawar is sliding downhill, and there will not be any sympathy for his views.
Renuka Mohin,
On email.
No Baba Ramdev
Your cover story on yoga was wonderful (‘Where asanas meet medicine’, July 9). It covered all the aspects of yoga in India. Yes, scientific evaluation has given yoga new meaning and strength.
But I feel you should have mentioned Baba Ramdev. He is the one who made yoga a household name in the country and abroad. Before the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, yoga was practised in more than 100 countries due to the sole efforts of Ramdev.
The ‘scary yoga’ has become simplified with its multifarious health benefits. It is adopted by millions who have reaped the benefits. What AIIMS is doing is an offshoot of the same.
Chandra Shekhar,
Hyderabad.
Clear apprehensions
On the face of it, the Uniform Civil Code, which aims to replace personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, looks good (‘Last word’, July 9).
A common citizen like me would like to know why the UCC, which is a directive principle of the Constitution, was not implemented as yet.
The government should ensure that the proposed law is not against dalits, scheduled castes and tribes, and minorities.
Ashok Nihalani,
On email.
Pay heed to Shastri
I liked your interview with Ravi Shastri, who was frank and forthright (‘Never point fingers at IPL; see how we can get more out of it’, July 2).
When Shastri was a coach, he brought aggression into the game…. and that paid dividends, especially when India played against England and Australia.
The selectors talk about grooming young players, but when a team is selected they choose senior players who could be weeded out. And the sad story continues.
Shastri’s opinion about Sanju Samson was a pointer. A great talent, Samson has not been given opportunity, consistently. His knowledge of the game, behind the stumps, is exemplary, and he has had a successful stint as captain of Rajasthan Royals.
But, unfortunately, politics seem to be entering into the selection of players.
Shastri’s reading of how Australian selectors have managed players is a wonderful lesson that should be followed by Indian selectors.
Our selectors should learn from what Shastri said, and respect the veteran’s experience and understanding.
A.S. Nagesh,
On email.