Voting rights for all eligible

Refer to ‘Let no Bihari voter be left behind’ (The Great Game); the Election Commission’s electoral roll revision in Bihar seems to be undermining the right to vote. By restricting the use of essential documents like the Aadhaar card, voter card and ration card and imposing a tight five-week deadline for 7.8 crore Biharis to gather proof of their parents’ birthplace, the ECI’s measures may inadvertently disenfranchise many eligible voters. While the electoral body aims to bring transparency to the polling process, the Opposition fears that this move may be an attempt to sweep genuine concerns under the rug. It’s crucial that the EC gives the voters sufficient time to verify their credentials. Our democratic processes should be inclusive and accessible to all.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, sangrur

Sidelining real issues

Apropos of ‘Let no Bihari voter be left behind’; the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar before the Assembly elections have been planned with a calculated outcome. If ‘purifying’ the rolls was the motive, then the exercise should be carried out in the entire country. Making the voting right a privilege rather than a constitutional guarantee may endanger democracy. Biased constitutional bodies have curtailed fundamental rights of Indian citizens. The key issues of unemployment, education, healthcare and infrastructure, which must be raised on political fora, are getting sidelined.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (Retd), Mohali

Exercise in futility

Apropos of ‘Let no Bihari voter be left behind’; the ECI seems to be failing in its duty. In the Supreme Court on July 10, it overlooked the amended Representation of the People Act wherein Section 23(4) links Aadhaar to poll rolls. When a lot of money, time and energy have been spent on the making of Aadhaar, Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and ration cards, what is the rationale for frittering it all away? The citizenship issue should not be mixed with voting rights.

PK Sharma, Barnala

Reforming people’s mindset

Apropos of ‘Radhika’s murder’; the young tennis player’s story is not just about a daughter being silenced. It is about a society that still considers control over women as natural, and even honourable. We need to delve deeper into attitudes and social structures that allow violent behaviour to fester quietly. Bringing a change in the social system requires more than laws — it requires cultural courage. We must confront the silence around familial violence and dismantle the patriarchal code. It should be a reminder to reform not only the justice system, but the mindset of a nation.

Devina Badhwar, Rohtak

Exploiting economic loopholes

With reference to ‘Fake currency’; black money continues to fuel not just economic distortion but also national insecurity. Printing or using fake currency is not merely a financial crime. It is closely linked to drug smuggling and cross-border terrorism, especially in border areas. These operations exploit loopholes in our economic ecosystem and thrive in areas where digital access is poor. To combat this triad of threats — fake currency, narco trade and terror — India must invest in financial literacy, enforce stronger surveillance and ensure digital access to all. A digital-first economy cannot be built on exclusion and delay. Urgent reforms are imperative for both economic integrity and national security.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

Fix retirement age for politicians

Refer to ‘RSS chief sets off succession issue in BJP’; Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on the retirement age at 75 need to be put in context. While people in other professions retire at the age of 58-60, why do politicians serve till their sunset years? They have assured pensions and private businesses to sustain themselves. Those in other professions, especially in the private sector, have nothing to fall back on. The retirement age should be fixed for political leaders. Youth should be given a greater role in politics.

Vikramjit Singh, Amritsar

Letters to the Editor