MyVoice: Views of our readers 25th November 2020

Unending electoral battles

Amazingly, even municipal elections have become vociferous and vituperative. It is hard to believe that central level leaders can descend on the city to campaign for what is rapidly turning into a major ego issue. Looking at the promises made by all political parties, the only wish one could have for individual and societal prosperity is to have elections every two years.

The first year to implement the previous promises and the second year to make promises for the next elections. No problem if the treasuries are completely swept clean. We can always tax the people more. It is the most painful fact of Indian politics that I become aware of my personal faith, my 'caste', my language, my every single belief most acutely during elections.

Not only that, I also feel a great danger to all of them from the 'others'. The roads in my city have only seen constant construction for the last two decades; repair after every rain, cosmetic covering of potholes during VIP visits, and then back to a default non-motorable condition. Surprisingly, no political party after coming to power ensures proper roads to all its citizens; surely the best way to win elections next time and also make everyone happy without needing to divide.

Road building somehow in our country seems to be even more complicated than rocket science. The politics is unfortunately atomising the society; if democracy and elections are the best form of governance, India does not seem to be good advertisement for it.

Dr Pingali Gopal, Warangal

Please take up core issues

In the cacophony of polarisation of votes for GHMC elections, primary and pertinent issues of greater Hyderabad have been buried under the carpet. Political parties are trying to rake up National and international issues which have got minimum role to play in GHMC administration. Opposition parties are trying to criticise TRS government as a whole but not able to bring core issues, concerning GHMC administration, to the books. Moreover these elections are coloured with communal fervour. It is too harmful to embrace this.

Both sides of Musi river have been occupied illegally by many. Most of these occupiers have political backing. Migrated labour and marginalised families too live on the Musi bank. The irony part of it is, if these dwellers do not reside on the banks of Musi, upper middle and above classes suffer to find "house maids" for their routine. Hence provision of dwelling to the poor and marginalised, within the city is need of the elite society.

A dignified dwelling for those people has to be thought off by GHMC. This issue must be brought to fore. At the same time, a congregation place for daily wagers ( Adda coolies) is essential. Lakhs of people are dependent on such employment in the city. They do not have proper place to wait till they get opportunity of a days work. It needs a solution.

Open urination is a serious menace in Hyderabad city.

Open defecation on the banks of Musi river and at several other places is a common scene in the city. Make shift toilets are arranged at several places but poor maintenance left the issue to as is where condition. Indeed these toilets are spreading foul smell due to which the nearby atmosphere has further exacerbated. Inspite of attempts to cull street dogs by GHMC the gravity of issue is still at its peak. Pet dog's defecation is rightfully allowed on the roads and in the residential areas by people adopted them. Is this not an irresponsibility? The new team of GHMC must concentrate to bring awareness on these issues .

G Thirupathaiah, Hyderabad

Is the TRS nervous this time?

The fear and apprehension that is apparent by TRS in the run up to the GHMC polls in the language by KTR, in his frantic moves to prove his party credentials, and remind the voters, not to forget TRS at any cost. But, this is a new dimension in the political power play that is being witnessed in the GHMC elections that is not governed by the credentials of the ruling party that has been in power in the state. This time it is surely about basic infrastructure facilities in the twin cities – particularly in the old city of Hyderabad, which lacks basic amenities of decent living by people in the area, despite tall promises.

KTR used words like beggars, while describing the opposition and tell voters that Hyderabad is not Ahmedabad, reminding them that they are smart, during his road show in the city. It smacks of his arrogance and ignorance to assess and warn voters, in the light of BJP's resolve to sweep the GHMC polls. The final outcome however will be in the hands of the electorate whom, I believe have already made up their minds this time around.

S Lakshmi, Wayanad

Devastating pandemic of 2020

This year was ruled by Covid-19 global pandemic- an unexpected havoc.Year 2020 seems the most cursed year in the history of civilisation of mankind. There were many outbreaks of diseases earlier but this is the deadliest global pandemic experienced till date.

2020 also experienced a lot of natural calamities like cyclones, floods, locust attacks, earthquakes, etc adding to the pain. A stretch of bad events kicked off the year. Economy around the world collapsed and many people lost their jobs.

People are drowned with fear and uncertainty about their future and their health safety. This leap year needs the leap of hope and faith to stay positive. We are very close to the breakthrough of vaccine, as it is on its last stage of trials. Hope everything will be hunky-dory again soon in next year.

Kirti Bihani, New Delhi