State polls are as important as general elections

Jharkhand election results highlight the inability of both the Congress and the BJP to establish a credible political base in the state (I have the key to hung House, says Soren, December 24).

State polls are as important as general elections
Jharkhand election results highlight the inability of both the Congress and the BJP to establish a credible political base in the state (I have the key to hung House, says Soren, December 24). Of late, both national parties seem to want to win state elections without making a serious effort. They depend on post-poll number games, which gives a chance to those like Shibu Soren to become kingmakers and blackmail the government later to fulfil their greed. Both the Congress and the BJP should realise that winning state elections is by no means less important than clinching power at the Centre.
Janaki Narayanan, via email

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Loopholes in our judicial system
As a child rights worker and mother of a 14-year-old girl, I am horrified and appalled at the shamelessness of former Haryana DGP S.P.S. Rathore (Verdict on molester cop: too little, too late, December 23). The way the case has been dealt with reflects a slack judicial system that couldn’t care less about protecting the basic liberties of individuals, especially that of minors. It’s terrible to know that a young girl who had the courage to speak up against injustice was subjected to such mindless torture. This case not only highlights the glaring loopholes present in our legal system but also makes clear that the unprotected have no one to turn to when in need of security.
Shireen Vakil Miller, Save the Children, Delhi

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Ruchika Girhotra’s case is not only shocking but also exposes that in India it is difficult for the common man to get justice when he raises his voice against the wrongdoings of influential and powerful people. The case should be re-opened and severe punishment should be awarded to Rathore and all his aides. The efforts of the victim’s family, which has been fighting for justice for the past 19 years, are laudable.
JN Mahanty, Puri

In a happy state
In his article A letter from Coorg (Maha Bharat, December 25), Samar Halarnkar rightly states that a high literacy rate and the ability to adapt to the changing times has kept a check on demands for a separate state of Kodagu. During my last visit to Coorg, I was amazed to find the district of Birajpet full of innumerable dazzling cars, which were owned by the people from nearby areas who had come there to shop. It was a similar sight in other areas too. This shows that the people of Coorg are happy and content with their lifestyle. They realise that values like honesty, hard work and sincerity are more important than demands for separate statehood.
Ashok K. Ghosh, via email

The law is equal for everyone
With reference to Nagendar Sharma’s report Caste in corruption (December 25), the decision of some Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party parliamentarians to support Karnataka Chief Justice Dinakaran because he is a Dalit seems to be politically motivated. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati should realise that Dalits aren’t above the law. Whether allegations against Justice Dinakaran are proved or not, we should remember that everyone, including Dalits, are equal before the law.
Sukanta Kar, via email

We need action, not campaigns
Instead of starting an awareness campaign to instil civic sense in Delhiites, the Delhi government should first try to instil a sense of responsibility in civic agencies (Little girl to civilise Delhi, December 24). Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit should take note of potholes on roads, illegally occupied footpaths, a dishonest police force, lack of basic amenities like water and the price rise. Campaigns alone won’t change the city for the better. We need the government to take stern action against those officials who are unable to perform their duties.
Yogender Kumar, via email