Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Leaders and ideology

Sir, — The trend discussed in the Editorial `Vicious and incendiary' (Oct. 17) is, of course, both "vicious and incendiary". But it is so only as far the consummation is concerned. The "practice" has been quite contradictory. The personalities and their "ilk" mentioned in the analysis make themselves potent and potential leaders with their political aptitude and strategic acumen, irrespective of their professed "ideologies".

The age-old "two nation theory" is, no doubt, discarded but has not been extinct altogether and the divisive intent it brought still rules the Indian polity and the institutions making it. The success of political administration lies in its potential of creating opportunities for full employment, optimum production, just distribution and thereby total welfare. Our 50-odd years' politics seems to have failed in this.

R.K. Divakara,

Bangalore

Sir, — The call of the Shiv Sena chief, Bal Thackeray, that there should be a suicide squad among Hindus, is not unexpected from a man of his notoriety. Such inflammatory speeches are not far off the mark from the activities carried out by the "fidayeen" terrorists.

The Maharashtra Government should take stern action against Mr. Thackeray and see that he is brought to book.

M.D. Ravikanth,

Kancheepuram, T.N.

Sir, — Mr. Thackeray's statement for calling India "Hindurashtra" is ridiculous. India is a secular nation and never identifies with any religion. His idea of creating Hindu suicide squads is like creating another LTTE in India. Is he ready to allow his sons to join this squad?

Rahul Belagali,

Dharwad, Karnataka

Sir, — The hate campaign unleashed by the likes of Mr. Thackeray is not sporadic but a systematic and institutionalised programme rooted in "ideology". Ever since the Hindutva forces came to the fore, the level of intolerance has hit its nadir. It is time secular-minded Indians came together and stopped this hate campaign. More laws will not do. The mind-set has to change to bring the Indian society to its secular moorings.

M.A.H. Imran,

Hyderabad

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