MyVoice: Views of our readers 12th May 2023

Karnataka on whose side?

PM Modi addressed 21 rallies in Karnataka. He is known for saving BJP in elections even when the party is on the verge of losing. But will the Modi magic work in Karnataka this time? A strong campaign was led by PM Modi, primarily using the development card along with Hidutva card. He even used the film The Kerala Story and brought the conspiracy of terrorism linked to Congress.They even brought Lord Hanuman in this elections when Congress hinted out in banning Bajrang Dal. Let us see if the BJP can manage the anti-incumbency in Karnataka with its Hindutva card. Most exit poll surveys predicted a clear win to Congress.

Zeeshaan, Kazipet.

II

The election result will set the tone for the 2024 general election. If the BJP wins, it can claim that the party’s popular support and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s charisma remain intact and undiminished. The charge ‘40% commission sarkar’ seems to have stuck despite Narendra Modi’s feeble attempt to counter it with ‘85% Congress.’ On the other hand, if the Congress wins, it can claim that it is resurgent and interpret as a prelude to a change of government at the Centre. The BJP made a last-ditch effort to polarize the voters by invoking the name of Lord Hanuman. The BJP’s continuance in power will hasten a retreat from secularism.

G David Milton, Maruthancode, TN

Army ruling Pakistan in guise of democracy

The arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khanon multiple corruption charges is not a surprise as his predecessors at the helm of the country were also held up on similar charges. Some of them like Nawaj Sharif, Parwej Musharraf fled to European countries and sought asylum. Benazir Bhutto was killed in a purposely planted bomb blast and her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged. No honour or respect is bestowed on former heads of government in Pakistan. Mighty military force is ruling Pakistan in the guise of democracy. The way Khan was forcefully dragged by police, hit on his head and injured his leg shows the height of cruelty and that triggered demonstrations by his supporters. Perhaps Pakistan is a unique nation in representing a vulgar and roguish culture. It can never be a friend to India.

N Ramalakshmi, Secunderabad

II

The dramatic whisking away of former PM Imran Khan from Islamabad court by Pakistan Rangers and the alleged assault on his lawyers goes to clearly show that democracy in Pakistan has been buried once and for all. However, the warrant issued on May 1 by the National Accountability Bureau chief Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed and the resultant chaos and violence on the streets by Imran’s supporters are shocking. It is perceived that after facing multiple corruption cases slapped on him by the Shehbaz Shariff government, political prospects of Imran Khan for his second inning appears unclear. Wishing peaceful democracy in Pakistan to return appears a distant dream.

K R Srinivasan,Secunderabad

III

The arrest of former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, by paramilitary troops there is not surprising but the way he is handled rudely is shocking. As he has been rubbing the wrong shoulders of all powerful military and ISI for quite sometime, his imminent arrest was expected. It’s ironical that one who had been once blue-eyed boy for the military has turned persona non grata now. Imran, the former cricket legend of Pakistan, has been clean bowled by his own team, where the umpires, the judiciary and civil society, have become speechless.

Dr DVG Sankararao, Vizianagaram

Prevent boat tragedies in future

The recent boat tragedy in Titur, Kerala, which claimed the lives of several people, is a heart-wrenching incident. It is unfortunate that despite strict rules and regulations, such accidents continue to occur, leading to the loss of innocent lives. We cannot bring back the lives that have been lost, However, we can prevent such tragedies from happening in the future by taking appropriate steps. It is time for the government to act responsibly and ensure the safety of its citizens. Moreover, the passengers should be made aware of the safety protocols and should be provided with life jackets and other safety equipment. The government should impose strict penalties on the boat owners who fail to comply with the safety regulations.

Vishal Mayur, Tumkur