‘Don’t let politics play spoilsport’

Expert view
Solve issues affecting daily life of Mumbaikars
I  don’t understand why the media is giving so much importance to such minor players who use undemocratic methods of protest? Politicians are resorting to such activities only to get coverage. They are manipulating print and electronic media. I’m not suggesting that mediapersons should stop covering their undemocratic stunts. Focusing on their activities makes them look powerful and they get national recognition due to it. Such political parties have no intention of solving the real problems of the country. There are a number of issues which need to be taken up seriously like infrastructure, employment, law and order, national security and overhauling of the intelligence system. There are local issues like water supply and encroachments by hawkers. More than the issue of our relations with countries like Pakistan or Australia, there is a need to focus on local problems, which are unresolved even after more than 63 years of Independence.   
—Prahlad Kakkar, ad filmmaker

Don’t trivialise, it concerns national sentiments 
There could be divergent views on the issue of allowing Pakistani or Australian players to play in the IPL tournament. It is my personal opinion that Pakistanis or Australians shouldn’t be allowed in my country. This is not a trivial matter, but one concerning national sentiments. We shouldn’t allow artistes or sportspersons which belong to countries, that have always hurt Indian interests. Terrorists are coming from Pakistan. Since the country is partially controlled by the army, the people have no voice and cannot exert pressure on the rulers. If we become liberal, then they will never stop such activities. But the way, some political parties oppose this is viewed as undemocratic. When we have various means of expressing our views, why should such parties take the violent approach? It is just a publicity stunt for small gains. We need to grow up and we shouldn’t allow undemocratic ways to condemn any act. Otherwise there is no difference between terrorists and these parties?
—Ashoke Pandit,  filmmaker and social activist

Patriotism isn’t discriminating people on nationality
Shah Rukh has every right to express his sentiments. The Constitution guarantees everyone the freedom of expression. Cricket or any other game is supposed to improve relations. It shouldn't be blown out of proportion. This sort of political interference just makes conditions worse. It is  unfair and wrong to blame the entire country for the violence of a few. Political parties couldn’t care less, they are only using this as an issue. Patriotism doesn't mean discriminating people on the basis of their nationality. It shows us in poor light and tars our image.    
—Aziza Syed, PR associate

SRK’s decision shouldn't irk anyone
Some political parties seem to have no agenda, but merely react to some actions of certain film stars. I don’t know for how long we will have to fear such anti-social elements who continue to ransack public property and 'terrorise' people. On what basis are we opposing Australian players playing the IPL? While there are racist attacks happening in Australia, in our country North Indians are being assaulted. Isn’t it shameful that we are attacking our own countrymen? If Shah Rukh Khan wishes to have Pakistani players in his team, it shouldn’t bother anyone.    
—Sandeep Jadhav, marketing executive

Don't target cricketers and film stars
I’m glad now that RR Patil has come out in support of Shah Rukh Khan and warned Shiv Sena against disrupting the screening of My name is Khan. I don’t think anyone’s patriotism should be questioned, if we are allowing Pakistani players in the IPL. This is one match that everyone looks forward too. Cricket is something that can help strengthen ties with our neighbouring countries. If we resort to such tactics, things will worsen. I fail to understand why we always end up targeting cricketers, Hindi cinema stars, Pakistani musicians and authors?        
—Karishma Menon, student

Send a strong message against terrorism
I’m surprised that even after November 26 attacks we still choose to endorse Pakistani players. How will the game suffer if Pakistani cricketers are not allowed to play? The team owners have made their choice and if Shah Rukh Khan wanted to include certain players in his team, he should have done so at the time of auction. Why create unnecessary hype now? Politics and cricket is getting murkier. Disallowing players in the tournament will send a strong message across to the neighbouring country that it has failed to curb terrorism.       
    —Pooja Kadge, admin executive

Lalit Modi should tackle issue tactfully
Once again cricket has hogged all limelight due to several reasons. We will continue playing against the same players in other matches. So basically being a part of the IPL tournament, just boils down to playing for big bucks. This is a sensitive issue and can affect the ties with Pakistan in the long run. Lalit Modi as well as the team owners should have thought about the entire controversy in advance. There is also a debate regarding inclusion of Australian players, due to the attacks against Indians in that country. I think we are becoming an intolerant city.       —Maheshwar Toraskar, sales consultant

Some are unduly sentimental 
We live in a democratic country and what SRK thinks is his personal opinion and one shouldn’t make a big deal out of it. Why are we mixing cricket and politics and abusing films stars for personal gains? People have different views - some are sensitive and due to their patriotic sentiments, say that Pakistani players shouldn’t be allowed to play. But I'm sure there are many who will use it as an opportunity to fulfil their agenda. I don’t follow the game but it wouldn’t bother me if Pakistani or Australian players come to India. They are here to play a game and only that should matter. As for the security, it is the government’s responsibility to make sure no attacks occur against any Indian.   
    —Vikram G, asst manager