UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lit about 1,80,000 diyas on the banks of the Saryu river on the occasion of diwali, but it came too soon after the deaths of children in UP hospitals for want of oxygen cylinders. The laser show was a far cry from the wretched existence of the impoverished.

Adityanath’s misplaced priorities could not be starker. He has come to represent a cultural matrix in which religion and politics are not kept separate. Now, he is fast emerging as the likely successor to Narendra Modi. The sub-text is that the BJP, with no vikas to showcase and the economy underperforming, is overtly replacing vikas with the Ram temple at Ayodhya as its USP. The unapologetic polarisation by spreading the poison of religious hatred reflects the changed political complexion and climate of the country. The masjid-mandir dispute should not cause a re-enactment of communal violence.

G David Milton

Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Freedom of speech

The statement of UP MLA Sangeet Som on the Taj Mahal has been blown out of proportion. Modi and Adityanath have not supported his views. Som is entitled to his views. They do not represent the BJP’s views. Those who do not share his view may ignore his remarks on Taj. It must be remembered that there may be many who may share his views.

Freedom of expression has been largely misunderstood. Divergent views should have only one common goal: to protect, preserve and promote the national interest. Freedom of expression has been guaranteed for this purpose. Constructive criticisms and suggestions should have an honourable place in a democratic nation. At the same time anti-national elements playing a destructive role should not go scot-free.

KV Seetharamaiah

Hassan, Karnataka

Oily tactics

Iran is the leading oil supplier to India, which is the world’s third biggest market for oil. This provides the necessary opportunity for Trump to capitalise on his election promises; under the veil of admonishing Iran and boycotting the nuclear deal, he is making good after having walked out of the Paris Agreement.

Now he can manipulate the economics of West Asia by creating conditions of reduced global OPEC oil production, which would cause prices to rise, thereby making US crude and shale oil more competitive and capture new markets. That could lead to the US beating Iran to the Indian market, apart from unsettling that country’s political situation. That aside the united position of EU countries to continue to stand by the deal is a strong signal that the unreasonably defiant and arbitrary stand of the US president cannot influence another conglomerate of advanced nations.

Aravind Sridhar

Bengaluru

Unhealthy cabinet

The Kerala government has spent crores on Transport Minister Thomas Chandy’s medical treatment. This apart, when he is so ill, why should he be retained in the cabinet? How can a seriously ill person serve the State to his full potential?

KA Solaman

Alappuzha, Kerala

Misplaced zeal

The Tamil Nadu government has embarked upon an exercise of free distribution of a herbal concoction to combat dengue. While it is good that the government is taking measures, it must think twice before doing this because the concoction’s medical efficacy has not yet been proven beyond doubt.

M Jeyaram

Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Veg and nonveg

The railways’ move to improve the standard of food is welcome (‘Railways to partner FSSAI to improve food safety in India’, October 18). They should also consider separate kitchens to prepare vegetarian and nonvegetarian food. Now both are prepared in one kitchen and there is every possibility of a mix up. I have seen many vegetarians skipping railway food altogether, as a consequence. Or only vegetarian food should be served as the railways are not bound to serve nonveg.

V Subramanian

Chennai

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