The election results in Maharashtra came as a surprise to many (‘Fair and square’, December 8). The BJP’s organisational machinery has once again demonstrated its ability to deliver strong performances and secure key election victories.
On the other hand, the Congress-led alliance seemed to have grown overconfident after the BJP-led coalition’s setback in the general elections, expecting a repeat performance in the assembly polls, which, sadly, never happened.
Also, now is the time to move beyond the EVM debate and focus on the road ahead. The Congress, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have a crucial role to play as the opposition over the next five years.
Devender Tokas,
On email.
The Maharashtra election results suggest that a significant number of voters are moving away from dynastic politics and opting for governance-focused leadership.
The BJP’s success can be attributed to its strategy of respecting and accommodating coalition partners, offering targeted freebies, and maintaining a strong grassroots presence. Devendra Fadnavis, known for his dynamic leadership and clean image, now faces the challenge of managing state finances. He must balance the growing burden of freebies with the need to increase spending on infrastructural projects.
K.V. Jayaram,
On email.
The results have decisively resolved the dispute over the legacy and leadership of Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. The message is clear: common man’s primary focus remains on bread-and-butter issues, such as economic growth, development and effective law and order. The voters in Maharashtra have to be congratulated for their judiciousness and sagacity.
B. Suresh Kumar,
On email.
The results in Jharkhand indicate that cases against leaders, or their arrests, have little or no impact on the outcome of the polls. Hemant Soren continues to enjoy strong support of the people of Jharkhand. All this highlights a broader trend—the BJP often struggles to defeat regional satraps in direct contests.
Shivam Tripathy,
On email.
Lack of clarity
It is disappointing to note that the COP29 summit concluded without reaching a consensus on mobilising funds to support climate mitigation efforts in developing countries—a stark reminder of the urgency to “save the earth from climate talkers” (‘Protocol be damned’, December 8). While the resolution proposes raising funds from diverse sources, including public, private, bilateral, and multilateral channels, it remains unclear how much of this will be provided as grants rather than loans.
The lack of clarity is a concern for debt-ridden developing nations, which had strongly advocated for a substantial portion of the funding to be in the form of grants, which was unaddressed in the resolution.
Baskaran R.V.,
On email.
Build on the unity
The National Peoples Power has achieved what former president Mahinda Rajapaksa could not in the 2010 elections even after the defeat of the LTTE (‘Red tide rising’, December 8). This election marks a decisive shift that the country has sought since the citizens’ uprising in 2022.
At the start of his term, Anura Kumar Dissanayake emphasised that the unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all other Sri Lankans would be the cornerstone of this new beginning. With this strong mandate, he now has the opportunity to strengthen and build on this unity.
Sanjay Chopra,
On email.
Live and let live
The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities is a grave tragedy, tarnishing the country with relentless violence (‘Murders most foul’, December 1). In such a volatile situation, what can the government or the BJP realistically do?
Perhaps the only solution is to let the warring groups exhaust their ammunition and anger until they themselves decide it is time for peace. True resolution can only come when both sides are willing to sit at the table, set aside differences, and embrace the principle of live and let live.
Jothindra P.L.,
On email.
Manipur is not just another state; it is an integral part of our nation. The govern-ment must act urgently to restore stability, peace and progress through meaningful dialogue that leads to justice.
Honourable prime minister, your silence and indifference are disheartening. Please speak up and act decisively to save the nation from further division and prevent Manipur from being torn apart.
Sasikhanth S.J.,
On email.
A true gem
Hats off to G. Govinda Menon, the 102-year-old engineer who played a key role in surveying the Vizhinjam coast in the 1940s, thereby identifying its potential for an international port (‘Old man and the sea’, December 8).
He is in fine fettle even at 102, and that surprises me.
Vizhinjam is now a major port, and it should honour Menon and recognise his contribution. Such individuals are true gems who deserve our utmost respect and appreciation.
Devika Chandran,
On email.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the article on Menon. More write-ups of such inspiring stories will be welcome.
R.K. Mathur (retired air vice marshal),
On email.
Work, live in harmony
Constantly targeting is a quality some people tend to harbour (‘Schizo-nation’, December 1). Men and women share equal responsibility for both the good and the bad in this world. Progress is possible only when men and women work and live in harmony. Equality, after all, lies in treating everyone impartially.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.