The mighty mamata

 

 

Referring to the cover feature 'New Deal For Bengal' (TSI, March 22-28). Mamata Banerjee is now practicing tolerance and compromising with policies which go against her image. Mamata becomes a mute spectator when there is a price rise, when common man struggles for a normal life and also when political violence makes our life hellish. Is Mamata fighting only for herself to fulfil her high ambitions, that of being the Chief Minister of West Bengal? We cannot understand her stand on violence and Maoism. Mamata also does not want to lose the indirect support of the Maoists in providing vote bank. The people of West Bengal want a fresh change and they dream for a wealthy constructive West Bengal where unemployment, political violence, and autocracy ends and where bandhs and strikes do not take place daily. They dream of a Bengal where destructive policies and politics in education, health, and infrastructure turn positive in the hands of Mamata. But Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is filled with mediocre opportunists who yearn only for their interest. Mamata does not possess a great team that can shape industrialisation, agriculture, education, or health sector as per the contemporary demands and needs. Her party does not take part in meetings called by the state government. Does she expect the same stand of opposition during her reign? The time and the arithmetic of managing a vote-bank has changed. Yesterday's enemy is today's friend. Coalition politics in democratic India is tarnishing people's opinion. Mamata is trying to butter up Pranab Mukherjee and Sonia Gandhi to succeed in the coming Assembly elections in Bengal. One never knows if one-day Congress becomes Mamata's enemy when she is in the position. But we people will remain only the spectators of this game.

Uttam Bhowmik
Tamluk This is with reference to the article, ‘Business ‘of’ and not ‘for’ kids’ (TSI, March 29-April 4). The concern raised is valid and shocking as well. In the recent past, while some high-profile people adopted children as a philanthropic gesture, the real motive behind it seems to be grabbing headlines and creating a brand image for themselves. Else they could have adopted street children from their own vicinity. The disclosure that adoption is a big business running into US$ 100 millions must work as an eye-opener for the concerned organisations working for orphans and poverty-stricken kids. And those desirous of adopting children as glamour quotient, should instead do a service to humanity by investing in shaping the future of the street children and orphans.

Madhukar Mohan
Ahmedabad This refers to the special report, ‘The true story of rising prices’ (TSI, March 29- April 4). It is unfortunate that in an agriculture-based country like ours, vegetables and pulses have become out of reach for the common man. Had there been any drought like situation or floods across the country, steep price rise in agricultural produce could have been explained. Irrational rising food prices have hit everyone hard, barring the commission agents dealing in farm produce. The agriculture ministry seems to be least concerned with the rising food prices. It would be great if mega cooperatives for agricultural produce help in stemming the rot and bring smiles on the faces of the farmers and the consumers.

Kshitij Sharma
Via e-mail While the cover feature ‘An icon in exile’ (TSI, March 29-April 4) gave a glimpse into the heart of the painting genius MF Husain, the editorial by Arindam gave reasons enough to bring the controversial man back home. No doubt, Husain played with the sensibilities of Hindus by painting nude gods and Indians in general by truncating the Father of the Nation in one of his paintings. Our country and its people have weathered many religious storms in the past. Today we are standing tall and itching to be a superpower. It proves the great resilience of Hinduism. In exile, MF Husain recently confessed that his ‘umbilical cord remains attached to the motherland’ and he misses people back home. May his homecoming awe the art world with few more breathtaking paintings in the arms of the motherland.

Hansika Sharma
Patna With reference to Prashanto Banerji’s article 'Keep the Faith' (TSI, March 22-28), I believe that in this modern era of gluttony and avarice, we rarely find asceticism even in the most elite class of puritans. Moreover, these so-called godmen proclaim themselves as the saviour of entire mankind. On the other hand, in this fast-paced life, people seek retreat in the form of spirituality and are usually spellbound by these fake godmen. They, in turn, have a lot to promise and offer in their arsenal and we become the scapegoats for them. In such a scenario, your article questions the extent and credibility of one’s faith. It is not wrong to have a spiritual teacher at one’s disposal, but one should always be open to follow his own conscience. This view can be exemplified by Gandhiji's saying, "Faith must be enforced by reason, when it becomes blind, it dies."

Prakash R Nishtala
Via e-mail Your story, "The true story of rising prices” (TSI, March 29-April 4) shows that with the rise in essential commodities, the aam aadmi finds it difficult to make both ends meet. When prices of certain commodities go up faster than those of others, it implies reduced real income for those who sell the latter. The prices of basic food items have been on the rise for a year now and this has obviously affected the household budgets. The price rise has also left the government nervous. It is worth remembering that food prices have always been politically sensitive and they are still rising, despite the stability in the overall price level. The government must take positive steps to bring down at least the prices of essential items.

D. Vinod
Ahmedabad Arindam Chaudhuri has correctly pointed out that India is a liberal land. MF Husain is being targeted to gain publicity and political importance. While Husain exposed his perverted side by drawing nude paintings, there are some Hindu right-wing groups who are raking on this issue to evoke emotions. These groups do not have any true love for Hinduism but a hidden political agenda. MF Husain himself wants publicity as he has not apologised yet. Nudity is not a taboo in Hindu culture. But it is also not about art or freedom of expression, it is about political mileage and perversion. Hinduism is too great a religion to be offended by people like Husain.

Santosh Mohan Joshi
Sangli Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri in his article on the travails of MF Husain (TSI, March 29-April 4) is groping for an equilibrium between the artistic freedom and the unbridled propensity to offend the feelings of fellow Hindus. Husain could have continued to live in India, but he finally landed in a Muslim monarchy where free expression is encouraged, or so we think. Husain made tremendous progress till his perversion led him to paint Hindu goddesses in nude. Spurned by Bangladesh, her own country, Taslima wanted to settle in Kolkata but the West Bengal government was scared of Muslim hooligans. When back in India, Husain may continue with his old game unabated and unabashed. Hinduism has no Fatwa.

G.K. Gupta
New Delhi It is injustice to first promise women officers of permanent commission and then deny it later on. We give 33% reservation to women and also deny them of their rights. If the government does not break its silence, the country will consider the 33% reservation as a mere eyewash.

T Sathyanarayanan
Chennai