l Sir — If there’s any role of luck in politics, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik should be considered among the luckiest of politicians in the world. Come to think of it, a chief minister running a fairly corrupt government for the past 12 years gets unequivocal support from all quarters, which are eager to overlook everything because of one elaborately recorded incident of a woman constable getting thrashed brutally by a few goons during the Congress’ parivartan rally in Bhubaneswar.
The electronic media, which aired shots of the lady being beaten up many times, probably lost sight of its basic goal: to get both sides of the story. Nobody asked if the police should have been so merciless with women and innocent people caught in the middle of a chaotic situation. No one had a word of praise for the young Congress workers who not only rescued the lady cop in question and escorted her to safety. Why? Because all that would not sell.
Violence is not the sole preserve of the Congress. I have been a victim of hooliganism by drunken BJD workers during a bandh a couple of years ago.
I have also seen how workers of the erstwhile Janata Dal have behaved violently during their protests against the then Congress government. Unfortunately, the television media was not there to record the events.
What is most disturbing, however, is the manner in which the police associations have reacted to the incident. Its leaders have gone to the extent of saying on record that they will campaign door-to-door to persuade people not to vote for Congress.
Kunal Singh Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar
Sir — Odissi dance and artistes have brought fame for our state and have a global reach. But it is strange to note how the culture department ignores the pioneers of the dance form.
There were hardly any celebrations or events to mark the birth anniversary of legendary dancer Sanjukta Panigrahi on August 24, apart from a programme organised by her family members. Dance lovers could have expected events in Puri and Cuttack, too, where Odissi took shape 50 years ago. It is sad that the contribution of the artistes to the state is ignored.
Paramita Das,Kanika Square, Cuttack
Sir — The Puri City Development Plan formed in 2006 for the overall improvement of Puri town at a cost of around Rs 1,820 crore appears to be a total failure even after the expiry of six years. The deadline for completion of work is 2013.
Finance was not a problem at all. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission would pay around Rs 1,460 crore. Besides, the state government, Puri Municipality, Jagannath temple trust, public health department, public works department, national highway authorities and many others, including private parties, were prepared to provide adequate finance for the project.
Preservation of ancient traditions of Puri, development of roads, drainage system, beautification of town, renovation, of slums, improvement of environment, urban services and so on, as provided in the scheme, have remained untouched even after so many years. Because of the lack of proper drainage system, dirty water spills onto the roads. Solid garbage is never cleaned. Even work on the underground drainage system taken up a few years ago is lying half-finished.
I fail to understand why no action was initiated regarding this project, especially when adequate funds were made available right from 2006-07 up to 2012-13. Unfortunately, Puri Municipality and local administrative and political authorities appear to be least bothered about the scheme. The collector is frequently transferred and the municipality is thoroughly inefficient and inactive. Only Lord Jagannath can save the town.
Alok Kiran Deb, Retired chief engineer (electrical), Sarada Devi Road, Puri
Sir — It is a matter of great delight that our chess players are reaching new heights and establishing Odisha as the cradle of talented chess players. Recently, young international master Debashis Das earned his first grandmaster norm at a world championship in Greece. Soon after, senior player Swayangshu Satyapragyan secured his third grandmaster norm. It will not be long now that Odisha produces its first grandmaster. It would be encouraging for our players if the state sports department took a few steps to conduct regular training sessions by senior chess champions from across the country.
Rabindra Sahoo,Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar
