LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

he Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), principal rivals in Odisha, nearly formed an alliance, and then pulled back to remain rivals. Even by the current standards of political morality, these moves were astonishing. The State unit of the BJP publicly opposed the move but the party appeared willing to give up 15 years of an antiBJD campaign that gained it the status of the principal Opposition in Odisha. What could have been the mother of all opportunistic alliances was pursued with the goal of securing all 21 Lok Sabha seats in the State for the BJP, and BJD leader and State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik continuing into yet another term in office without much of a contest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tribute to Mr. Patnaik’s father, Biju Patnaik, on his 108th birth anniversary on March 5 and steered clear of attacking the State government. This was a reversal of the party’s strategy until now. In 2019, the BJD had won 12 Lok Sabha seats and 43% votes while the BJP won eight seats and 39% votes. In the Assembly election that was held simultaneously, the BJP got 33% of the votes. The BJD and the BJP were allies until 2009, with the Congress as their main rival.

Mr. Patnaik is managing agerelated constraints and trying to effect a transition to ensure that his political legacy continues. The BJP sees this as its best opportunity yet to win power. Parties that are dependent entirely on a single charismatic leader can face a crisis in their absence. Both parties could have achieved their immediate goals in the event of an alliance though it would have diminished them in the eyes of voters. In the general election in 2019, the Congress got only 13.4% votes in the State, a distant third behind the BJD and BJP. The party won Koraput and was runnerup in the Nabrangpur seat. This time, the party is hoping to cash in on the confusion created by the failed talks between the BJD and BJP. Along with former Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s push for a caste census, it is hoping to draw dividends in a State where 50% of the population is from the backward community. Over the years, the party’s organisation has weakened and the journey from rhetoric to reality could be a tough one. The alliance that did not happen shows that it is open season in Odisha.

TCeasefire call

With the United Nations Security Council passing the resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramzan, one hopes for an end to the bloodshed and for greater sense to prevail (Page 1, March 26). Though the war began as retaliation for Hamas’ attack, innocent children and women have fallen victim to Israel’s deep anger. It is not clear how far Israel can succeed with this track against Hamas.

With the blocking of essential food items, it seems that Tel Aviv has adopted famine creation as a war strategy. Israel’s reaction to the UN resolution is not encouraging.

J. Radhakrishna Kurup, Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala

Though silent on the culpability of Hamas for the dastardly attack on Israel on October 7, triggering immense suffering for Palestinians, the ceasefire demand must nonetheless be welcomed.

A suspension of hostilities would indubitably bring respite for millions of civilians reeling from the deadly war. However, it remains to be seen if the resolution would be honoured by the Jewish state, given its established track record of dismissing with impunity the UN resolutions against it. One can only hope against hope that a yearning for vengeance becomes subdued and the love for humanity prevails in its place.

Michael Jom, Thiruvananthapuram

A discordant note

The late violin maestro, Kunnaikudi Vaidyanathan, was a regular invitee to the Ram Seva Mandali concerts in Bengaluru during Ramanavami celebrations.

He was invited despite his playing film tunes, by request. Few cared to raise objections. He was adored by Carnatic music lovers of all age groups. The controversy that has enveloped musician T.M. Krishna is unfortunate.

In his enthusiasm to propagate Carnatic music he may have annoyed some purists and grazed against some timehonoured boundaries, but the public spat and consequent polarisation now among musicians and music lovers is most unfortunate (Editorial page, March 26). It reveals the pettymindedness entrenched in some important musicians. Mohan Das,

Bengaluru

As a reader of The Hindu for the past 75 years, to find that the daily has focused on a controversial Carnatic musician who has been steadfast in propagating antiBrahminical views is baffling.

One cannot ignore the foundations of the structure of Carnatic music which has been built, step by step, by great composers of yore. Sanakaranarayanan R., Chennai

The Carnatic music fraternity is a mature and friendly group. Rasikas are also wellinformed and understand nuances. In the conferment of any award or title there is bound to be some disgruntlement. I am sure that tempers will calm and we will be back to having packed concert halls, with Mr. Krishna and the popular singer sisters spreading harmony and joy. L. Rangarajan,

Chennai

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