Vox pop

VVIP helicopters will push the nation into turbulent weather

VVIP helicopters will push the nation into turbulent weather
With reference to the report Chopper-gate is Italy’s loss, Russia’s gain (February 17), we must ask if it is justified to purchase a fleet of 12 costly choppers. Rather than raising a storm to stall Parliament, opposition parties should question the very decision of purchasing AgustaWestland choppers, which even the US reportedly disapproved of for being too costly. In a country where half the population struggles to find two square meals a day, spending public money to provide luxurious security to politicians is a mockery.
M Chandra, via email

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Time to cast caste aside
In his article Covering first base (February 18), Ajaz Ashraf draws a bleak picture of the Congress’ poll prospects in 2014. To stand a good chance, the writer argues, the party must first strengthen its social base in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is my opinion that caste and community politics will no longer play a dominant role. Rather than court any dominant caste, the Congress must first bolster its local organisational structure and introduce leaders who that are more credible.
Vijai Kumar, via email

Godhra’s fires have burnt out
It is hard to understand why the Press Council of India chairperson Markandey Katju is reviving the dead episode of Godhra (Jaitley, Katju at war over Modi, February 18). As far as the incidents of 2002 are concerned, the law is taking its own course and eventually it is the court that will arrive at a decision, not Katju or Arun Jaitley. This new war of words will needlessly disturb the communal harmony of the country.
Gagandeep, via email