Date:12/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071255141000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

On Advanispeak

Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani’s answers (interview, July 11) are practical and down to earth. No one can deny that if there is anyone who is least interested in the goings-on in the name of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal, it is the aam aadmi. What hurts his purse seems to be the last item on the agenda of the UPA government and its allies. When there are umpteen issues that need to be addressed immediately, why is the government bent on sealing the deal risking its very survival?

S.R. Badrinarayanan,

Chennai

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This refers to Mr. Advani’s statement, “I have never seen so much despair in people.” I am a housewife and belong to a middle income group family. My concern is with the rising price of commodities which has been attributed to a global factor. When the government is duty-bound to tame inflation and control the price index, the extraordinary urgency to go ahead with the nuclear deal, after breaking ranks with its allies, is something I am unable to digest. I agree with Mr. Advani that the nuclear deal is not the issue of the people. The government should tell us whether its priority is to pave the way for a decent living — with roti, kapada aur makaan — or make the country luminous using nuclear energy.

Chitra M. Kumar,

Chennai

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With reference to Mr. Advani’s question, “what is the use of nuclear energy which we are going to get after 25 years,” all government plans yield results only in the long run. It is time politicians buried their differences and supported the good initiatives taken by the government.

S.V. Padmanabhan,

Hyderabad

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It may be strategically better to avail ourselves of the advantages of the nuclear deal and gradually expand its scope to suit our needs.

R. Sridhar,

Bangalore

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The situation today is certainly not more disturbing than what it was when the Babri Masjid was demolished and thousands were murdered in Gujarat when Mr. Advani was Union Home Minister. The people of India and the world may forgive but will never forget the crimes against humanity perpetrated for selfish political ends.

Noel M. Varghese Varkey,

Bangalore