The BJP-Shiv Sena break-up has come as significant political development for its potential to produce significant changes in the electoral fortunes of political parties in Maharashtra.

It has not come about as a result of any ideological differences or irreconcilable differences on any issue of public import. It has occurred due to the disagreement over seat-sharing with neither side willing to be content with less than what they thought they deserved to contest.

Clearly, ideology, in this context Hindutva ideology, has proved to be no glue to hold the ‘time-tested’ alliance together. If BJP and Shiv Sena are now parting their ways despite the competition between them to demonstrate ‘virulent communalism’ in all its nakedness, it is sole due to the stubbornness of the top leaders.

The fate of Congress-NCP alliance will decide whether Maharashtra is heading for a three cornered or four cornered contest.

G David Milton

Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Development first

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements on 25 September in Vigyan Bhavan indicated clearly that he was keenly interested in rapid economic growth by means of attracting foreigners as well as NRI industrialists to come and make their products in India. As he said, he is interested in FDI — ‘First Develop India.’ So that the Indian youth can also get maximum job opportunities, resulting in increase in their income, and thereby their purchasing power.

Hansraj Bhat

E-mail

MOM’s the word

India’s stock will go up considerably after it achieved the distinction of becoming the first country to successfully place the Mars Orbiter in the Martian orbit in its maiden attempt, leaving behind the US, Russia and the European Space Agency.

The incredible and historical feat is a triumph for the tireless team of engineers, technicians and scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who have time and again proved that they are second to none.

India has not only shown that it has caught up with the West as far as space technology is concerned but it can soon leave the others far behind if its scientists continue to show the same zeal and enthusiasm.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bangalore

Files and command

This refers to the editorial “Cut red tape” (September 25). For quick movement of files, restrict the step to 3-4 at each stage and clearance within 3-4 days, except for complicated and critical cases.

The rigmarole procedure followed in government offices even in the straightforward and simple cases eats away the time, to the chagrin of concerned people.

In the case of files which require clarifications and in critical cases, the officials concerned can summon the party to get their doubts cleared instead of allowing them to attract dust.

The time frame for each case and the responsibility and accountability should be fixed on the head of the department to monitor progress to obviate inordinate delay.

Rescinding the archaic laws which were framed years back and do not suit the present day needs is what is required. Single window procedure may help cut red tape to large extent.

Laws should be restricted to the strictly relevant ones, so that the needy benefit.

HP Murali

Bangalore

A minor affair

This refers to the initiative of ICICI Bank to open an account for minors with personalised cheque book facility (September 25). There is nothing new in this; already almost all other banks have such facility. Minors’ accounts are mostly operated by guardians.

Whenever minors operate the accounts, withdrawal to the minor is allowed through a withdrawal slip. One expects to get some clarity from the bank in view of the provision of Section 26 of Negotiable Instrument Act which states that a minor may draw, endorse, deliver and negotiate such instruments so as to bind all parties except himself.

S Kalyanasundaram

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