The Imam and Sonia

How is it the Shahi Imam is openly saying the people of his community should support the Congress? Is that not a violation of the secular principles enshrined in our Constitution and the code of conduct? VS Ganeshan

Bangalore

The BJP and some sections of the media are making a big issue of Sonia Gandhi’s meeting with the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari and her call to the Muslim community not to split the secular vote. At the same time, they find nothing wrong in roping in Baba Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to endorse Narendra Modi. Inexplicably, nobody is objecting to the larger-than-life cutouts of Modi being displayed in temple precincts.

For all its faults, the Congress remains an umbrella organisation. Given its pluralism, it is just not possible to reduce Indian nationalism to Hindu nationalism.

G David Milton

Kanyakumari

Mistry’s antics

Here is a new dimension to rivalry within the Congress in Kerala. Madhusudan Mistry, the Congress candidate pitted against Modi in Vadodara, is the representative of the high command in Kerala. What Mistry did was funny enough. When all the streets in Gujarat are reserved for Modi posters what could Mistry do but fix his posters on top of the Modi posters? It is the duty of the EC to provide space for Mistry’s posters.

Nevertheless, what Mistry did is disrespectful to our democracy. When the leaders are brazen and barefaced, what can we expect from people down the line? And it is a matter of relief that Mistry, who was detained by the police, has been released on bail. It is also interesting to see that Mistry is the person who taught Rahul Gandhi how to become a leader. This implies that poor students have studied under very poor teachers. Bizarre are the ways of politicians.

KA Solaman

Alappuzha

All are equal

That the local administration in Amethi has rejected the application form of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi (for domicile certificate) since it was not signed by him is laudable. After all, all are equal before law. Of course, the probability of the officials having non-Congress loyalties cannot be ruled out.

S Ramakrishnasayee

Ranipet

Perverted behaviour

This refers to the article “Why Marius had to die” by Vidya Ram (April 4). The photograph of Marius is heart-rending. I wonder which human being could ever have the heart to put down such an innocent-looking animal. What if it had been the other way round?

And asking children to watch the post-mortem of the giraffe indicates a perverted mind.

AR Ramanarayanan

Chennai

Forever Sam

The Indian Army’s gesture to unveil a statue of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and release a book on him is an extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary general.

Many old-timers will remember how he won the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and became a national icon. His contribution was immense and one book is not enough to list out his achievements. He may be gone but his deeds remain forever.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bangalore

Need a debate

With reference to your editorial “Easy limits” (April 4), the fact that one needs at least ₹25 lakh to contest shows that only the rich can enter the poll arena. The next question is how they generate this amount? Is it a reason for corruption? If so, should the politician be found fault with?

In earlier times, only popular persons who had served society were able to win elections. And most of the election expenses were met by the people by conducting public meetings, canvassing and so on.

Of course, there were cases of some using money and muscle power. But they could not match the popularity of a bonafide candidate.

Therefore, the right persons got elected. So we need a thorough debate about election expenses.

A Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

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