Relevant icon

• Sir - In "Airbrushing the radical" (April 17), Manini Chatterjee has rightly said that B.R. Ambedkar's opinions have not lost their relevance over time. A day after he converted to Buddhism, Ambedkar had said at a public rally, "the dogma of Hinduism was the greatest stumbling block to the emancipation of the Harijans". This line aptly captures the reason behind Ambedkar leaving the fold of Hinduism. In his writings, Ambedkar also warned us against the dangers of religious extremism. However, the violence perpetrated in the name of protecting cows, the suicide by a promising Dalit researcher in Hyderabad and incidents of honour killings prove that even so many decades after Independence, Indians have not been able to free themselves from religious prejudices. To realize Ambedkar's dream of a just society, every person must follow the advice given by him - educate, agitate and organize. We are yet to understand the true worth of Ambedkar.

Yours faithfully,

Sujit De, Calcutta

• Sir - Manini Chatterjee has termed the efforts of the Bharatiya Janata Party to embrace B.R. Ambedkar as "political opportunism". On the face of it, this observation appears to be correct. But Chatterjee should realize that there has been a shift in the BJP's agenda as well. The party is now talking of ' sabka saath, sabka vikas'. Chatterjee should have appreciated this change. The BJP's attempts to identify itself with Ambedkar's ideas must be viewed as an example of the party's openness to different opinions.

Yours faithfully,

Subodh Jha, Munger, Bihar

• Sir - Manini Chatterjee strikes a chord with readers when she pans the BJP's efforts at appropriating B.R. Ambedkar. Since coming to power in 2014, the BJP has tried to efface the ideas of leaders who played crucial roles in the national liberation movement. While Narendra Modi has named an app after Ambedkar, the former has done little to protect the rights of the Dalit community. Chatterjee is right in stating that Ambedkar's ideals could help us in strengthening social justice and in fighting the politics of hate.

However, for the sake of impartiality, she could have discussed how politicians of all colour have exploited the quota system to further their narrow interests. By doing this, they have reinforced the caste system, which Ambedkar hated with all his heart.

Yours faithfully,

Nirmal Bhattacharya,

Hooghly

Weak logic

• Sir - I do not agree with the views expressed in the editorial, "Private eye" (April 18). The argument against the draft population policy prepared by the Assam government appears weak. That we cannot always depend on "voluntary action" is evident from the creation of religions, which are but an instrument to instill discipline among citizens. Also, it has generally been observed that people from South Asia follow traffic rules when they visit places such as Singapore and Dubai, whereas they break such laws with impunity in their own countries. South Asians abide by rules in foreign territories as laws are enforced more strictly in those places. If conscience was enough, then no religion, or even government, would have been required at all.

Yours faithfully,

Asit Kumar Mitra, Calcutta

Too few

• Sir - The low voter turnout in the Lok Sabha bypoll in Jammu and Kashmir is another grim reminder of the fragile situation in that state ("Downturn", April 11). Less than eight per cent of the electorate participated in the polls. At the same time, this incident also offers an opportunity for a national debate on whether it is desirable to have candidates in Parliament who have been elected on the basis of such dismal turnouts.

The low turnout, without doubt, must have gladdened the separatists, who had asked voters to boycott the polls. The Centre as well as the state government should try to assuage the sentiments of the people while there is still time.

Yours faithfully,

S.K. Choudhury, Bangalore

Sir - The by-election to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat was marred by unprecedented violence. There were reports of stone-pelting and petrol bomb attacks. Eight people died and more than 100 security personnel were injured in poll-related violence. Further, the low turnout of voters has brought disgrace to the democratic process. A turnout of mere 2 per cent was recorded in the 38 polling stations that saw re-polling. Kashmir has become a stronghold of terrorists ever since the death of Burhan Wani. Pakistan, with covert support from China, is trying to foment trouble in the region. India has remained calm in the face of repeated provocations. But the time has now come to deal with the situation firmly.

Yours faithfully,

Vijay Dattatray Patil, Pune

Parting shot

• Sir - The majority of commercial vehicles in Calcutta run on diesel. This highlights the fact that the state government and the pollution control board are not serious about tackling air pollution. The ruling party is dragging its feet on the matter owing to petty political considerations.

Yours faithfully,

Samir Dey, Calcutta