K. Chandrashekar Rao aka KCR is a popular leader in Telangana who has an emotional connect with people, and he continues to reap the benefits (‘The KCR XI’, November 26). It is the welfare schemes that make the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi and KCR so popular. All said, I am not sure if this trend will continue for long.
It was good to know about the group of men KCR holds close as he looks to win the third time. They have great knowledge of issues that concern the common man. As they say, behind every great politician is a good team.
Mayank Mathur,
On email.
Your cover story was informative and it helped me to analyse the political situation in Telangana. I, especially, liked the interview with K.T. Rama Rao, the information technology minister. It revealed that KTR is the real hero and the backbone of the BRS. He is a good orator, highly educated, a charismatic figure who is capable. I believe the BRS will come to power for the third time in the state.
Jayakumar A.V.,
On email.
The exclusive interview with KTR was interesting and engaging. His vision for the state’s IT industry and his efforts in making Hyderabad a global tech hub were inspiring.
Lloyd Lobo,
On email.
It was mentioned that hoping to emulate the Indian cricket team, the BRS has launched a campaign that said just as India will lift its third trophy, the party will also win Telangana for the third time. But India did not lift its third [World Cup] trophy. So, does that mean that the BRS will not win the third time?
Nitin Gowda,
On email.
I doubt if the BRS will come back to power in Telangana. There is a visible wave in favour of the Congress, and a silent wave in favour of the BJP. The Congress already has strong roots in the state and leaders like Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy are remembered even today. If YSR was alive, he would have curtailed KCR’s popularity. The BJP could play spoiler for the BRS and the Congress in some constituencies in the state.
Chandra Kumar,
On email.
Caste ruckus
What is going on in Maharashtra is unacceptable; there is already enough ruckus over reservation and census (‘Give and don’t take’, November 26). The Supreme Court has put a cap on the quota system at 50 per cent, and political parties are duty-bound to follow it. Many of the so-called upper castes have benefited from the reservation for economically weaker sections that was announced by the Centre some years ago. I am sure Marathas have also benefited from it.
Ratnakar Pandey,
On email.
It is really unfortunate that each time elections are announced there is talk of caste survey and reservation. All political parties, including the BJP, are to be blamed. It is a different matter though that caste challenges the RSS’s hindutva unity narrative.
Leaders who promise reservation should be punished by the courts.
Sukumar Balan,
On email.
BJP is scared
The BJP is scared of Mahua Moitra and it is evident (‘Fight to finish’, November 26). Moitra is the most prominent critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and has a bright political future. Having said that, Moitra should be careful of her reputation as an MP. She should not have shared her credentials with anyone. These are valuable lessons.
Vaibhav Saxena,
On email.
A time-bound inquiry should be conducted to establish the existence of money trail, if any. Also, it needs to be looked into whether the Ethics Committee recommended Moitra’s expulsion hastily without ascertaining the full facts.
Moitra, according to me, should lead the Trinamool Congress after Mamata Banerjee. She is the kind of leader that India needs today. I see glimpses of Indira Gandhi in her, and she is quite articulate. No politician in India today has the courage to debate with her.
Anogh Banerjee,
On email.
RIP, Gopal
It was nice to know about T.R. Gopalakrishnan (‘Portrait of an editor’, November 26). An editor needs an excellent eye for detail. They should be good listeners, have a solid grasp of their publication, have a nose for news, and show appreciation. I am sure Gopal was all of that and more. May his soul rest in peace.
Tanisha David,
On email.
Cornering Chouhan
If the BJP loses Madhya Pradesh, the undermining of Shivraj Singh Chouhan will begin (‘Last word’, November 26). Chouhan is the BJP’s longest serving chief minister, and if he wins one more term he will pose a threat to many veterans in the BJP.
It is an open secret that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are not in favour Chouhan’s return.
I believe these assembly elections are not the semi-finals ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. State elections are always on local issues, and have no bearing on national elections.
Pratap Nair,
On email.
Follow Tharoor’s footsteps
Reading is a good habit that develops your mind, and it gives life lessons (‘Last word’, November 19). Shashi Tharoor has a huge following, and I am happy that through your column he has requested young people to read, which is one of the best habits to have. Tharoor is admired for both his looks and his knowledge. The fact that he is able to speak and write so well is only because he is well read. Reading also prevents the mind from getting distracted by unwanted thoughts.
Kuldeep Tyagi,
On email.