Anything new has some attraction value, at least for a while. AAP had promised a different kind of political framework, away from the conventional way of doing politics. Many were drawn into the new party hoping to usher in a new political dispensation. Some joined the party with a dream of being driven in car fitted with a red beacon. However many well-meaning people—technocrats, former government servants, academics, social activists—joined the party with the laudable object of ‘cleansing’ the present polluted political atmosphere.
Many people have misread the political colour of the AAP. If one were to understand the political culture articulated by the core of the AAP dispensation in the early days of its existence, one would have exercised caution before jumping into the bandwagon. How did the dramatis personae of AAP behave when the party formed the government with the help of the Congress party? In its short stint, it created anarchy on the streets of Delhi.
The Chief Minister sat on the dharna; signed government papers sitting on the foot path. The reckless self-appointed guardians of morality of the party raided some residential complex and manhandled some women. The head of the organization exhibited untamed verbal aggression. The members of the APP exhibited extreme authoritarian streak when they shouted on the streets and browbeat and insulted anybody who questioned their methods.
The same tendency has been exhibited in the happenings in the recent AAP meeting. Those well-meaning people who joined the AAP during honeymoon days of the AAP are now realize their naïve understanding of the phenomenon known as the AAP. AAP is not only a power-hungry party as any other, it has also mastered the nuts and bolts of communal politics of the worst kind. Of course AAP will not disintegrate so soon because the power is a strong adhesive.
SND Poojary, Miramar
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Govt must act swiftly
The war in Yemen between the Saudis and Houthi rebels has returned to haunt India again. It is hard to believe that while Islamabad and Beijing have displayed admirable urgency to airlift their citizens to safety, the Indians hiding out in their homes are still waiting for respite.
The Yemen authorities refusal to issue exit visas and Indian Air Force planes not allowed to land has only made it harder for the Indians to make an exit and fly back home. It is unfortunate that half of the 4,000 Indian nationals caught up in the conflict in Yemen are nurses. The Indian government certainly has its task cut out and it will need to move swiftly for the early and safe evacuation of Indians.
N J Ravi Chander, Bengaluru
Helmets and accidents
Compulsory helmets on all roads is a welcome step. Let us stop being stubborn at least now. I read a letter in your esteemed daily, dt. 31 March, by Whiterose from Carmona.
Yes, wearing helmet may at rare times not save one’s life. But then, it may be an exception. Wearing helmet is not enough. Wearing the helmet clasp properly, using good quality ISI marked helmets too is enough. I am not saying that the deceased lady was careless. I am merely pointing out a point.
Riya Samson, by email11
Hefty salary hike
This letter is in response to the recent hefty salary hike for legislators which was passed by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The slogan “”Government work is God’s work” is inscribed on the facade of the Karnataka Vidhana Soudha Assembly Complex. It makes me wonder whether such a high increase in salary is really needed to do “God’s work”.
K. B. Dessai, Fatorda
