States in eastern India such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal are not as developed as the rest of the country, and it is for all to see (‘Thunder in the east’, May 26). The region, though abundant in natural resources, is plagued by poverty. The blame for all that should go to successive state governments.
There is an urgent need to unleash the untapped potential of eastern states to ensure the growth of the region. More than the Lok Sabha MPs from the region, it is the respective state governments that have to wake up.
Nitish Kumar and Naveen Patnaik have ruled Bihar and Odisha for far too long. Now they have to leave. Kumar’s party will be in an existential crisis after June 4. He has lost his credibility forever.
Tigin Thomas,
On email.
The BJD in Odisha and the JD(U) in Bihar are not doing enough for the common man. The BJP will surely improve its tally in Odisha and West Bengal. States like Odisha and Jharkhand have rich natural resources. There is so much more development that can come to these states if there is proper governance and leaders who are honest and humble. Let us not forget that eastern India is a crucial chapter in the country’s pursuit for sustainable development.
Ranjith Mathur,
On email.
The BJP could sweep West Bengal this time around. There is palpable anger against Mamata Banerjee and her government. Polarisation will not help her. The downward spiral of the Trinamool Congress has just started. Also, there will be a BJP government in West Bengal in 2026. By engaging in violence, the Trinamool Congress is attempting to hide its inefficiency.
Alakananda Saxena,
On email.
JMM leader Kalpana Soren comes across as a confident person with good leadership qualities. Despite being a novice in politics, she has demonstrated her abilities, like good communication skills, which is crucial for politicians.
Kalpana seems like a mature person. She is the daughter of an Army officer, and her credentials will help her wade through uncharted territory.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
Modi is popular in Kerala
I was surprised to read the comments by Rita John that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not popular in Kerala (‘Letters’, May 26). Modi is liked by a vast section of the society in Kerala. It is wrong to project that he is hated by all in Kerala. Only some in the state have a deep dislike towards Modi. No matter what he does, they will always complain about him and ridicule him.
Ramanan U.G.,
On email.
Haryana needs Congress government
Over the last few years, the BJP-led government in Haryana took the people of Haryana for granted, and it is time for them to face the music (‘Bitter harvest’, May 26). Political winds are blowing against the BJP, and the Congress needs to be given a chance to form the government. It is not fair on the part of the BJP to rule every state by hook or crook. Its leaders should also learn to sit in the opposition.
In the coming years, there will be similar trouble for the BJP in Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. Even though nationally no party can challenge the BJP at the moment, assembly elections are fought on different issues. In many states, the BJP is facing resistance and fatigue, along with strong and capable opposition leaders.
Pankaj Tripathy,
On email.
Protests in the US
It is unclear if the anti-war protests in the US are attracting widespread public support (‘Angry, young America’, May 26). The US today is not directly involved in any war. It is clear that powerful Jewish billionaires, who control American politics, industry and the media, are not happy with the anti-semitism displayed by students in prestigious universities in Pennsylvania or Massachusetts. Many of them have even threatened to stop funding major universities where the protests are strong.
It can’t be denied, however, that students across the world are terrified by the death and destruction in Gaza.
Kangayam R. Narasimhan,
On email.
Let us exploit it
I agree with Amitabh Kant that popular Indian chefs and restaurants are spread worldwide, and are helping connect people through our intangible heritage and culture (‘Last word’, May 26). However, to improve footfall, we need to give more impetus to food tourism within our country. Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa are promoting food tourism and helping tourists explore local cuisine. However, not much is known about the delicious fare in eastern India. A state like Haryana is also not promoting food tourism. Let us fully exploit our national cuisine potential, backed by our master chefs.
R.D. Singh,
On email.
I agree with Kant that Indian cuisine has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity on the global culinary stage. Indian cuisine has always been considered among the best in the world. One does not get bored of Indian food, because of the variety. Indian food focuses heavily on health, which is really good. It is an amalgamation of tastes and textures.
Suresh Gowda,
On email.
Error
In the 2024 Best Universities Survey report (May 26), Mangalayatan University, Jabalpur, has been erroneously reported as Mangalayatan University, Aligarh.
Survey agency Hansa Research apologises for its error.
Editor