In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA swept the Hindi heartland. But it is not going to be that easy this time. That is why the BJP is looking to bag seats from the south and West Bengal (‘Lord on the ballot’, May 5).
The socio-political polarisation gives the BJP the edge in all north Indian states. But, rural voters in many of these states are not happy with the saffron party. There is also a growing perception that the BJP, at some stage, will remove caste-based reservation. Its plan to strengthen hindutva works well only if Hindus are not divided on caste lines. A caste census, the BJP knows, will create a new consciousness among the marginalised and thereby threaten the BJP’s plans for the future. So the BJP will continue to oppose it.
Vismay Kothari,
On email.
There is no opposition unity in the country. It began well, but is fading. The AAP is nowhere in the picture. The Trinamool Congress and the Congress were supposed to fight the BJP together, but they are unwilling to find common ground. Even in Andhra Pradesh, the Congress-led alliance should have roped in either the TDP or the YSR Congress. It is really sad that these elections are turning into another one-sided contest.
Neeraj Saxena,
On email.
Akhilesh Yadav was a capable leader who was not a bad chief minister. He did what he could in those five years at the helm in Uttar Pradesh. I believe that Yadav has the potential to become the prime minister. When he was chief minister, the law and order situation in the state was better compared with the previous Samajwadi Party regime. Yadav was also popular among young voters. I do not know where things went wrong.
Devender Bhatia,
On email.
Anuja is right
Anuja Chauhan was bang on about the BJP’s polarising narratives (‘Schizo-nation’, May 5). The BJP government fears defeat and that is why it is deepening the communal divide and polarising the voters. Hindus constitute more than 80 per cent of India’s population. Why should the minorities, especially Muslims, even bother with the BJP leaders?
Siddharth Ramanathan,
On email.
It is the Congress that has violated the Constitution by enacting laws to provide reservation on the basis of religion. Today only Modi has the guts to speak the truth, no matter how harsh it is. To speak the truth is not polarisation.
Renjith Menon,
On email.
Learn from mistakes
Your interview with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai was impressive (‘BJP will sweep Chhattisgarh’, May 5). That the BJP is working with foresight cannot be ignored. This is why the BJP is growing stronger. Unless the Congress learns from its mistakes, its future is going to be even darker.
Jayakumar A.V.,
On email.
Good coverage
Your election stories are informative, based on crisp and unbiased analysis, and well-designed interviews. Every week, I look forward to reading election-related stories in your magazine.
S.P. Ashta,
On email.
The Modi government holds sway, as most people in the Hindi belt are overawed by the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, which was made possible by the strong leadership of Modi.
In addition, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the mega development projects undertaken by the government, justifies the faith reposed on the government. It will be no surprise if the BJP-led NDA crosses the 400 mark.
Vidita Mehta,
On email.
Worth emulating
The article on the Lakshmamma temple in Raichur, Karnataka, where heroes of independence struggle are placed alongside divinity is worth emulating (‘Pillars of freedom’, May 5).
It was interesting to know that birds, reptiles and animals are also depicted on the walls of the temple.
Thank you for bringing to us such inspiring and thought-stimulating stories.
Suman Anand,
On email.
Thank you for your courage
Let me express my sincere appreciation for the cover story on gold smuggling (‘The dark metal’, March 10) by Namrata Biji Ahuja. She has deeply studied and exposed India’s huge appetite for gold that is driving commercial fraud and grey market deals.
The courage displayed by your magazine in publishing a well-studied article to unveil the intricate details of illegal trade was commendable. It takes significant dedication and determination to uncover such illicit activities that often operate in the shadows. Your magazine has unravelled the seamy underbelly of India’s illicit gold economy. The revelation of the unethical practices within the gold business and chain networks not only exposes the parallel economy they have created, but also highlights the severe repercussions on the Indian economy and for organised gold sector business. These activities undermine the financial stability of our nation and inadvertently aid enemy countries.
By bringing these issues to light, THE WEEK has contributed significantly in raising awareness and initiating conversations about the necessary steps to combat such criminal enterprises. Your efforts in investigative journalism serve as a beacon of hope for accountability and transparency in society. Thank you for your courage, diligence and commitment to uncovering the truth.
Ahammed M.P.,
Chairman, Malabar Group,
On email.