VANDALISM OF STATUES INSULTS DEMOCRACY
The incidents of pulling down of statues after an election victory, no less, insult the democratic process and ethos. Many prominent figures, all from different shades of political thought, fought together to win us freedom. Even after several changes in regime, their charisma and ideology continue to inspire. The Indian culture means respecting our idols, and we cherish even international icons like Nelson Mandela. The Centre, along with the states, must coordinate in ensuring the culprits are brought to book.
Aadil Bhat, Chandigarh
II
These incidents are a sign of deep disaffection within a section of the Indian populace. The government must listen and fix the lapses. It is easy to see these acts as motivated by politics, but at the end of the day, ordinary Indian citizens carried out the vandalism. The government needs to be true to the mandate of democracy – a government of the people, for the people and by the people.
Shruti Sharma, Chandigarh
III
Even an appeal from the PM may not suffice to stop such activities as miscreants are miscreants, whether from the ruling party or the opposition. The BJP and other parties must shun this attitude. Jaspreet Kaur, Mohali
IV
What is even worse than the shameful vandalism is that the RSS and the BJP are backing it. The television coverage of the issue was disappointing, even as the local administration did not act against the vandals. Even the PM spoke up only after two days, when the damage had been done. It is clear that BJP goons had the support of their political masters.
Fateh Pal Singh Malhi,
Bathinda
V
The local administration’s inaction in Tripura emboldened the vandals to repeat their shameful actions in other states. The Centre was also slow to act. All this creates the impression that the BJP wants to divide the country on religious lines. We are a country with scores of faiths and languages and cannot be governed by a party that has the singular aim of sticking to power by polarising the majority religious community and suffocating the minorities with governing tools.
Col Kuldip Singh Grewal (retd), Patiala
VI
We are witnessing a dangerous mindset. Lenin, as a revolutionary figure in Russia, had even inspired Indian freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh. Statues are erected on the basis of stature, role and a wider consensus about a well-known personality. There is no justification for defiling these in the name of political ideology or nationalism.
Anamika Bahuguna,
Dehradun