Neighbourhood crises
For a nation that has repeatedly experienced and undergone a chequered and turbulent tryst with democracy, the latest development in Pakistan should come as no surprise to an independent political observer. Given the fact that no Prime Minister of Pakistan has completed his normal term in office, the events have again exposed the political vulnerability and the fragility of a country trying to nurture and sustain democracy since its inception. As in the case with India, the apex judiciary appears to be the final saviour with its assurance that it would strive to pass a ‘reasonable order’.
B. Suresh Kumar,
Coimbatore
There are astonishing similarities in the sudden eruption of political crises in the neighbourhood (Page 1, “Pakistan SC promises a ‘reasonable order’,” and “Opposition rejects Gotabaya offer”, both April 5). The reasons for the turmoil in both countries are more or less the same — i.e., mismanagement of the economy, hostility toward the Opposition parties, and, above all, misgovernance. The leaders of both nations are trying to cling to power in disregard of democratic values. Any authoritarian approach flouting democratic principles will only earn the wrath of the people.
D. Sethuraman,
Chennai
The situation in Pakistan is not comfortable and India must be prepared to deal with the fallout. It is only in Bangladesh that the presence of Sheikh Hasina at the helm is assuring. But even here, hostile elements are trying to undermine her. A change in leadership there would alter the equations drastically. Finally, with the Chinese dragon blowing hot and cold in turns, India has a hard task at hand in maintaining peace on the border.
Anthony Henriques,
Mumbai
From shortages of food, fuel and medicine to hours-long power cuts every day, to the cancellation of examinations as there is no paper and ink, the problems affecting Sri Lanka are myriad. With a pile of debt, soaring inflation and depleting foreign reserves, the island-nation is a textbook example of what can go wrong with a country. Sri Lanka’s economic model is fundamentally flawed. The country has been spending far greater than what it actually earns.
R. Sivakumar,
Chennai
A combined entity
This is surely the mother of all mergers the country has witnessed so far (‘Business’ page, “Parent HDFC to merge with HDFC Bank”, April 5). But as the share and the role of PSU banks diminish vis-à-vis private banks, this behemoth will further ‘unlevel’ the playing field. The Government ought to fast forward merger plans for PSU banks under its watch.
However, it begs the question why these private entities are failing to discharge their social obligations despite them being the outcome of the same ecosystem. Why are hinterlands and rural areas only dotted with PSU banks?
Deepak Singhal,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
CSK’s dismal start
Chennai Super Kings is in trouble. With consecutive losses the champion team is on rough ground. Though the tournament is still in its initial stage, defeats are bound to deflate the team’s morale as complex mathematics will come into play especially with 10 teams in the fray. In double-header league matches, clawing back into the reckoning will not be an easy job.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
