Shades of Emergency

Refer to ‘An undeclared Emergency today? Not quite’; the article offers a thoughtful perspective on India’s evolving political landscape. While avoiding alarmist comparisons with Indira Gandhi’s era, it highlights the growing centralisation of power in the PMO and the misuse of ED, CBI and governors to suppress dissent. However, incidents like bulldozer justice and vigilante action are disturbingly reminiscent of the Emergency era’s excesses. Despite fair elections and occasional judicial assertion, media pliability and shrinking space for criticism remain worrisome. Constitutional values must be upheld to protect democratic processes.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Time for BJP to introspect

Refer to ‘Fillip for Oppn’; no party can brush aside the verdict given by the public in the bypolls held for five Assembly seats. Undoubtedly, the results are a big boost for Arvind Kejriwal after a humiliating defeat in Delhi. His never-say-die spirit has proved all those wrong who had written him off. It’s time for the BJP to introspect as anti-incumbency has begun to show its face in Gujarat. A foothold in the southern states is still a far cry for the BJP. A lone win in Kerala is a big face-saver for the Congress. In the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, no party should anticipate a win by sticking to the old approach. Now, no party should expect to rest on past laurels but will have to recalibrate its strategy according to the requirements of the people. Preferences of voters change with time.

Yoginder Singhal, ladwa

Dynamic nature of democracy

With reference to ‘Fillip for Oppn’; the recent byelections have indeed sent a significant message. The Opposition’s win in four out of five seats suggests a shift in voter sentiment, potentially indicating dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s performance or policies. Operation Sindoor may not have resonated with voters as expected. The Congress defeat in Ludhiana, attributed to a wrong choice of candidate and infighting, highlights the importance of strategic decision-making and party unity. Internal conflicts and strategic decisions play a crucial role in electoral outcomes. These election results serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of democracy and the need for political parties to adapt and respond to voter concerns.

Capt Amar Jeet (Retd), Kharar

INDIA must regroup

The results of the byelections in four states have provided a number of political lessons. The BJP juggernaut can be contained if the INDI alliance sets its house in order. The Congress will have to accept the AAP’s potential to be a national-level force for the Opposition. Regional parties will have to eschew their prejudices and lend a helping hand to AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who displays adaptability whenever needed.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

AAP heaves sigh of relief

Refer to ‘Bypoll boost’; after the massive loss in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party got a chance to test the voter’s mood in the bypolls. If the Ludhiana West result is any indication, then AAP can heave a sigh of relief. Though bypolls and state elections may not go the same way, this is one win AAP would have wanted badly. In the next year and a half, the AAP government in Punjab can not only set the narrative in its favour but fulfil its promises and work for the masses in the state so that it can regain their trust.

Bal Govind, Noida

Carefree childhood days

Apropos of ‘Back to simpler days, if only for a day’; the writer’s reflections were deeply moving. The vivid memories of childhood joys, school assemblies and monsoon mischief brought alive my own cherished moments. Such pieces not only reconnect us with our roots but also serve as a gentle reminder of what truly matters — a sense of belonging, pleasant memories and giving a meaning to your life. Such heartfelt and relatable reflections resonate with readers across places and ages.

Sunita Sikri, Yamunanagar

Letters to the Editor