No violence in a democracy
The destruction of the Lenin statue by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) workers in Tripura after the polls is political vandalism (“BJP workers knock down Lenin statue”, Gulf News March 7). Tripura was ruled by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) for 25 consecutive years and now people are opting for a change. That doesn’t mean they can destroy the symbols and attack party offices, loot shops and business establishments. India is a country which accepts different ideologies which have multiparty systems and that is the beauty of a democracy. People have the right to accept any ideology and follow it. Here in Tripura, the BJP’s victory doesn’t mean there will be no more elections. This mandate is only for five years and the people will evaluate the performance of the government and go for elections again. Politics of hatred has no place in democracy. The government should take strict action against the culprits and restore peace in this region.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Winning seats is tough
Amid the saffron wave, the local BJP leaders could be dreaming of some success in the Tamil Nadu state (“BJP-led government takes charge of Tripura”, Gulf News, March 10). But in reality, it would be a Herculean task for them to win even five seats. Moreover, as everyone is disappointed with the present administration and there are two rising super stars, the BJP may not be able to create any dent among the Tamil Nadu voters. Then there is the sluggishness of the BJP, who have time and again failed to implement the Supreme Court verdict to get the share of Cauvery Water for Tamil Nadu delta farmers. Hence, it is all the more difficult. Adding to this is the uncalled for comments of its Vice-President, H. Raja, which is adding fuel to the fire. Of course, as in the past, if they ally with any one of the Dravidian parties, then they may get some seats, but not more than 10.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
India
Sledging in cricket
It is a known fact that any Australian cricket team, right from the team lead by cricketer Bill Lawry, there have been one or two designated players with a license to sledge, to unsettle their opponents, particularly their best batsmen (“Australia board warns team about behaviour”, Gulf News, March 10). None of them is a saint. Hence it was no different at Durban, where David Warner has been given the license to sledge South Africa’s wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who was proving to be a thorn in their flesh. To be frank, without sledging they could never win a Test match, as per Steven Smith’s admission after their last Sri Lanka series loss. Unfortunately, none of the International Cricket Council match referees or the umpires had any guts to nail the arrogant Australians. We sincerely hope that the present match referee and the field umpires too don’t prove to be spineless!
From Mr N. Viswanathan
India
Saying bye to a legend
I don’t think there was any other scientist as unique as Stephen Hawking (“Physicist Stephen Hawking dies aged 76”, Gulf News, March 15). Despite having to face many challenges due to his physical impairments, he contributed a lot to the word of science, mainly to cosmology and theoretical physics. He suffered from a motor neuron disease that left him almost completely paralyzed. However, he did not let this stop him on his way to greatness. He had an un-paralyzed mind in his paralyzed body, which has inspired me a lot. He wanted to connect the public to the science of the universe. This task seemed impossible as he lost his ability to speak and write. However, his book, A Brief History of Time, became a bestseller. He has reached the heights of Newton and Einstein, yet wasn’t awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics as his studies couldn’t be observed he worked on studying the universe, especially on the cosmos. I was shocked to hear the news that he passed away. May his soul rest in peace.
From Ms Rose Vincent
Dubai
Testing system is appreciated
It makes complete sense for teachers to go through regular tests and assements to ensure that they are familiar with the subject and know what they are teaching (“5,076 UAE teachers to be tested next month” Gulf News, March 14). The quality of education in a school depends on the teachers and their qualifications. Children need to have proper teachers who are fit for the job and can contribute to the learning and growth of a child. This new rule will also keep teachers on their toes and make them work all year round, not just during inspectons.
From Ms Aruna Kohli
UAE
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