LONG PROCESS GENERATED MORE ILL-WILL

This refers to the news that exit polls show Narendra Modi winning another five years as prime minister (May 19). Exit polls can be misleading; it will be wise to wait for the final results on May 23. A major lesson from the just concluded elections is that stretching them over seven weeks is just too protracted. Granted, that 900 million citizens have to vote. Yet, the election commission should endeavour to complete the process in three to four weeks. The long-drawnout election generated copious competitiveness between candidates, leading to intense acrimony. The current elections have been one of the most rancorous, in the last 70 years. Many citizens were just waiting for the elections to be done with.

Rajendra Aneja nor with the BJP. It seems both have disregarded ethics, norms and moral values in the political arena. It is the regional parties that may walk away with unexpected gains, leaving the major national parties in an unhealthy state. The BJP and Congress should rise above party considerations and give importance to issues of national interest to win people’s trust. India should not have a coalition government at the Centre which hinders development as power struggle takes precedence.

Subhash Vaid Still, if we go by the exit polls, then it will be a historic victory for Modi. This is because it is the first time during elections the Opposition stood united against one man and fought to ouster him. It will be a shameful defeat for all Opposition parties. However, Modi will again have to face an uphill task once he assumes power. He is expected to do something concrete to tackle unemployment and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

Sanjay Chawla, Amritsar