The BJP cannot always rely on Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath and their popularity (‘Still voters run deep’, June 2). The fact is that the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya did not matter to many people in Uttar Pradesh. They looked at issues beyond the temple, and that made sense.
From the beginning the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance ensured a difficult contest for the BJP in the state, and it was palpable. Ground realities kept shifting in the state, and the BJP was not able to decipher them.
Shilpa Mongia,
On email.
The BJP has been cut to size in UP. It banked on the popularity of Modi. But people in the state were more concerned about local issues. I also feel Modi’s frequent visits to the south of the country did not go down well in the Hindi belt. People in these states must have felt that they were being taken for granted, which must have upset them.
Shivam Tyagi,
On email.
I was particularly impressed with your cover design. I wish the opposition parties come up with a meaningful common programme that would concentrate on development and economic policies to benefit the common man. Also, they would need non-corrupt, selfless and progressive leaders to form the government in future.
K.V. Jayaram,
On email.
Mobile polling stations
The beautifully decorated polling station in Ladakh’s remote Warshi village was quite captivating (‘The big picture’, June 2). The Election Commission could roll out mobile polling stations for constituencies with very few electors. They should be even allowed to vote from home. It will help the EC maximise the participation of people.
M. Shanti Kumar,
On email.
Reading newspapers
Ruskin Bond said he was a newspaper addict (‘Point blank’, June 2). Reading newspapers should become a habit. It will help keep you informed about the latest developments and improve your vocabulary. I am glad that in India there are so many who still read newspapers. The newspaper industry in the country is vibrant and will continue to grow. Having the morning tea, while holding on to your favourite newspaper, is a sheer joy.
Suresh Menon,
On email.
Great administrators
Barbados is the globally acclaimed home of legendary batters and many a lethal fast bowler like Joel Garner. Your story did justice to the wonderland by also mentioning about a cricket match between England and West Indies (‘A chain that links us all’, June 2).
Both the gentlemen [Vakkom Purushothaman and Lloyd Sandiford] were administrators of the highest order who shared a common purpose to elevate the quality of lifestyle of their respective islands they were entrusted with. The bilateral relations [between India and Barbados] have flourished since then and continues to grow stronger with knowledge sharing and common purpose.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
What a spread
From the cover illustration to Shashi Tharoor’s Last Word, THE WEEK’s issue dated June 2 was full of clever one-liners. Tharoor’s column prompted me to get my dictionary.
I liked the quote in Point Blank by Dev Adhikari that [Trinamool Congress] MP Abhishek Banerjee should let people touch him. ‘Call to caste’ (Party snacks) was thought-provoking. I was not aware that Warshi village in Ladakh had just five eligible voters from one family (The big picture). I also liked headlines like ‘Battle of the exes’ and ‘The actor and the charmer’. The headlines—‘Still voters run deep’, and ‘Bearing up in boring Britain’—amused me.
“Idle talk,” said Vakkom Purushothaman. Oh! Only, we, the Indians, will know its meaning. Anuja Chauhan’s attempt to match Nancy Tyagi and Kanhaiya Kumar delighted me.
This is why I say THE WEEK is one of the most fascinating publications to read. Not just the content, but the usage of words, which are skilfully and carefully interwoven, to grab the reader’s attention.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
Thoroughly impressed
’Trust JNU’s strengths’ by Anita Rampal (May 26) was interesting. Tactful, subtle, yet bold, it revealed the reality of the conundrum in modern higher education.
Being able to demonstrate brevity with sensibility, the academician has beautifully articulated the widening tryst between teaching, learning and praxis.
I was thoroughly impressed and delighted to read the few lines that seemed to transcend the conscience of every academician walking in the political corridors of academic institutions.
Ajith Fredjeev Dinakarlal,
On email.
My poem for Nancy Tyagi
It was interesting to see two columns dedicated to Nancy Tyagi. This speaks volumes about the impact of the global success of the young influencer. I have penned a few lines for Tyagi:
Nancy Nancy little star
Your art, talent and hardwork will take you far.
You are a diamond found in the rough
Life has made you tough.
You rocked on the red carpet
Now you are the paparazzis’ and podcasters’ pet.
Varsha V. Shenoy,
On email.