A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

With reference to news story “Stormy midnight meet sparks crisis in capital’ (HT, Feb 21), there cannot be a more shameful and condemnable act. Assaulting the chief secretary is akin to attacking one of the pillars of our democracy. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has so far failed to distinctively establish and demonstrate himself either as a politician or an administrator. He has proved to be a chip off the same old block of politicians. This unwarranted incident is another bad addition to AAP’s record. Ads alone don’t help win elections, actions are needed.

Sham Murari Sharma, Chandigarh

II

The ongoing “slapgate versus slurgate” involving the Delhi chief secretary and the Kejriwal government raises a pertinent question — should bureaucrats visit CM’s residence at odd hours for a routine meeting? Although home minister Rajnath Singh has asked for a report from the lt-governor, the Union government should issue an executive order barring civil servants from visiting chief ministers’ and ministers’ residence at night, unless it is an emergency.

Hemant Kumar, Ambala

III

Apropos the news story “New war in Delhi as chief secy, AAP MLAs file cases” (HT, Feb 21), the AAP government in Delhi is fighting a losing battle. Its administrative set up seems to be cracking under the coercive power politics of the Modi government. Politicising constitutional institutions and forcing them to work as tools to garner political dominance may degenerate the country’s governance. Unfortunately, apart from a few shining stars, the bureaucracy has been rendered spineless. It has lost its original reputation and is now conforming to political dictates at the cost of those few who are still determined to live up to the nation’s expectations. People’s perception is acute and it will react at an opportune time when it will be too late to make amends.

RM Ramaul, Paonta Sahib