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ShareBaseless allegations
CPM leader Sitaram Yechury's allegation that the Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express hijacking was planned by Maoists and Trinamool Congress was absurd ('Why is Mamata still in the Cabinet, CPI(M) asks PM', DNA, October 29). Is it possible that an astute politician like Mamata Banerjee would indulge in self-flagellation by hijacking a train whose upkeep and prestige are vested in her hands?
--KP Rajan, Mumbai
Hindutva not a winner
Comparing the political scenario and the religious fundamentalism prevailing in the two neighbouring countries, Pakistan and India, Ranjona Banerji has very rightly analysed in 'The vote for religion has run its course', (DNA, October 27) that Pakistan took the route that was soon after taken by Israel -- religious identity. If we look at the current state of affairs prevailing in Pakistan, it seems that the country is on its way to self-destruction, while in India the narrow religious or caste sectarianism is losing its appeal as proved by the results of the last few elections. The electoral losses being suffered by the Bharatiya Janata Party mean many things but paramount among those is the fact that Hindutva by itself is no longer a winner.
--Dilbag Rai, Chandigarh
A good victory
The men in blue have made a resounding comeback, having annihilated the Aussies in the 2nd ODI at Nagpur by a whopping margin of 99 runs ('Defiant Dhoni lets his bat talk, slams Aussies, critics with ton', DNA, October 29). The Indian batsmen pummeled a lacklustre Aussie bowling attack to set an imposing target of 354. It was heartening to watch skipper MS Dhoni bat with such gay abandon. Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina also made useful contributions with the bat. Having drawn level now, Team India ought to capitalise on this victory if they are to stand a chance of winning this series.
--Pradyut Hande, Mumbai
Action required
Apropos 'Maoist supporters seize Rajdhani, abduct drivers', (DNA, October 28), it has exposed the claim of security agencies to combat Naxal terror with an iron hand. It is astonishing to know that not a single security guard was with the train. The hapless
commuters were left at the mercy of terrorists for five hours and that they did nothing to harm the passengers was their own decision. Rather than resorting to rhetoric on television, the home ministry should initiate a strong action plan to counter the rapidly spreading terror strikes.
--Ashok Goswami, via email
