Reaching out
The Election Commission of India’s move to invite parties for talks to strengthen the election process is one that must be seen with scepticism (March 12). One wonders why it has had a change in attitude considering its stand in the past towards any criticism or even genuine suggestions.
But now that it has tried to change, it must consider these steps. Much before the general election, say six months ahead, the President, through the Cabinet Secretary at the Centre, and the Governor through the Chief Secretary in States, should publish a report on the ‘Status of the Nation’ or ‘… the State’ as the case may be, which will explain in simple terms, what the state of finances, education, agriculture, industrial development, foreign relations and defence are. This will let the nation know where exactly we stand. This should be done automatically without the involvement of the ruling/Opposition parties.
Every political party should publish its manifesto, outlining expected time-bound end-results.
These are issues that should be open to challenge in a court of law.
T.S. Rao,
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Although conducting elections in the world’s largest democracy is no child’s play, and the Election Commission of India has been straining every sinew to ensure that every aspect involved in the poll process is taken care of, there have been occasions when fingers have been pointed at the Commission for exhibiting bias in favour of the ruling party. The invitation to all political parties is a golden opportunity for the Opposition to air views freely and discuss issues threadbare. The ECI should also have an open and receptive mind and listen to the grievances of the Opposition. It is time the ECI endeavours to dispel the notion that it is often seen as a handmaiden of the powers that be.
C.V. Aravind,
Chennai
Jaffar Express siege
Even though the siege of a train and the hostage drama in Pakistan’s southwest region is probably a rare event, it does not leave one surprised at all (“Several killed, hundreds held hostage as armed militants attack train in Pak.” March 12). Pakistan is a country that has the dubious distinction of being a terror-state in itself. Pakistan’s long innings in supporting terror outfits and giving terror elements safe haven on its soil, and its patronage of terror networks and terror training centres will all result in ‘As you sow, so shall you reap’.
R. Sampath,
Chennai
The train hijack episode once again highlights the vulnerability of Pakistan as far as terrorist attacks are concerned. Decades of sponsoring terrorism will result in misery. Supporting terrorism is like feeding a poisonous snake, which will bite the feeding hand. There is no better example than Pakistan for this.
T. Chandra Sekhar,
Hyderabad
The incident is shocking and one hopes that there is no repeat of such an event. One also hopes that it does not give ideas to terror outfits across the world. Imagine the chaos if this happens in India.
V. Subramaniam,
Chennai
India-Canada ties
It is welcome that Canadian Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney is keen to reset ties with India (Editorial, “New opportunity”, March 12). It is no exaggeration to say that the outgoing leader, Justin Trudeau, was odd in his governance.
Though Mr. Carney seems to have a promising start, he could face a raft of challenging issues. How he handles U.S. President Donald Trump’s strident rhetoric on Canada will be watched.
Rajamani Chelladurai,
Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu
Compassionate care
The article, “Building compassion into the health-care structure” (Editorial page, March 12), should be read by health-care staff including doctors, nurses and paramedical workers. A railway retiree, I frequent the railway hospital to avail of post-retirement medical care, and for my spouse as well, as we are chronic diabetic patients. I come across deficiencies in service, leave alone a compassionate approach being shown by some of the staff. Of course, it cannot be a generalisation. Many doctors and nurses give us exemplary care.
N. Sadasivan Pillai,
Guntakal, Andhra Pradesh
Published – March 13, 2025 12:24 am IST