Maharashtra

IT is true that for the last decade and more the BJP has become habituated to toppling coalition and full-fledged governments in many States through its Operation Lotus (“The toppling game”, July 29). What happened to Uddhav Thackeray’s government in Maharashtra is a perfect example. Because of the Operation Lotus menace, many States are offering their people lots of freebies to remain in power. Operation Lotus may be making the BJP strong in the country, but it is also pulling down the Indian economy. I think the Constitution needs to be amended suitably to prevent this “toppling game”. Otherwise, every party will soon indulge in this type of horse-trading to gain power.

VIJAYKUMAR H.K. RAICHUR, KARNATAKA THE BJP’S Operation Lotus was successfully implemented in Maharashtra. It will extend to Jharkhand next. And, as has been said, in its desire to capture power at any cost, the BJP has come to stand for everything that Modi said the Congress stood for in its heyday. KARAM HUSAIN KHAN

MUMBAI A BIZARRE drama was enacted in Maharashtra when Eknath Shinde ditched Uddhav Thackeray and partnered with the BJP. The BJP undoubtedly has a shrewd strategy to come to power on its own in the next Assembly election and also grab more Lok Sabha seats and regain its lost legacy of ruling Maharashtra on its own. It will be able to “conquer” States as long as there are spineless and shameless politicians ready to abandon their political parties and betray the people who voted for them. The anti-defection law must be made more stringent.

M.Y. SHARIFF CHENNAI