Date:28/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/28/stories/2007122853851003.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Gujarat verdict

A progressive State such as Gujarat going along with the campaign of vituperative communal rhetoric is baffling. Perhaps the rise of global terrorism played a part in deciding the BJP’s victory in the Assembly election.

The Congress should introspect on why it has become vulnerable to the charge of pseudo-secularism. It should strengthen the secular coalition for the Lok Sabha elections even if it is at the expense of its own centrality in the scheme of things.

Tirumalai Raman,

Chennai

* * *

The Gujarat elections were contested mainly between the Congress and the BJP. Had there been a third party in contest, the result might have been different and it would have been difficult for any party to get a majority. One hopes future elections too are contested on the Gujarat pattern.

S. Ramanath,

Hyderabad

* * *

The BJP’s victory can be attributed to its successful strategy of polarising the majority. The Congress, on the other hand, failed to polarise the minorities and the Dalits. Its assumption that its secular base was intact was proved wrong.

Pradhan Narayan,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

The middle class is no longer blind to the Congress’ lopsided policy of secularism. The party will fare better if Congressmen shed their sycophancy.

N.G. Varadan,

Tirupati