LETTERS

Election results

In the overall terms, the verdict in the Assembly elections in Bihar, Orissa, Haryana and Manipur and the byelections was not only a setback for the BJP but also a gain for regional parties (March 17).

Bihar was a significant disappointment for the BJP. The party was perhaps over-confident. But the squabbles within the National Democratic Alliance and the BJP's greed for power may be the reasons for the setback. A Congress(I)-Rashtriya Janata Dal allia nce might have secured a majority. It has become clear that coalition politics will continue for some more time.

A. Jacob Sahayam
Karigiri, Tamil Nadu

Constitution review

This refers to "An exercise to watch" (March 17). The author is right when he says that the composition of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution has failed to carry political conviction.

There is no doubt that its Chairman Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, and members such as former Attorney-General K. Parasaran and former Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Subash C. Kashyap are experts. However, the question is whether the Constitution, whic h has served the country well, as a reliable guarantor of parliamentary democracy, secularism and fundamental rights - as described by President K.R. Narayanan - needs any change.

R. Ramaswami
Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Dr. B. Ramamurthi

Thank you for highlighting the worthy contributions of the Chennai-based neurosurgeon Dr. B. Ramamurthi in the field of neurosurgery ("A pioneer neurosurgeon", March 17).

Dr. Ramamurthi's great work has remarkably reduced the mortality rate in cases of brain surgery. His dedication not only has helped popularise neurosurgery in India but will definitely save many lives in future.

Abhijeet D. More
Nashik, Maharashtra

Rajindar Sachar

The interview with Rajindar Sachar ("Labour interests sidelined," March 17) was relevant and timely. Our over-enthusiastic leaders have not realised the dangers of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. Releasing market forces without simultane ously enlarging opportunities, for and the freedoms and capabilities of the poor, can lead to lopsided development and social unrest.

As the mythology of privitisation becomes irresistible, the state begins to withdraw even from where it should make its presence felt: health and education. The economic reforms programme has degenerated into a mad race among the better-off to live still better.

Jawaharlal Nehru's mixed economy is the best strategy for a country like India.

S. Raghunatha Prabhu
Alappuzha, Kerala

Pakistan

Your correspondent Aijaz Ahmad has chosen to repeat a false allegation, that the Pakistan High Commissioner "framed" the Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi ("Of dictators and democrats," March 17).

The High Commissioner replied to the allegation in his letter published by your magazine on August 13, 1999. It is a pity therefore that Aijaz Ahmad has repeated the allegation while making no reference at all to the High Commissioner's letter.

Mufti Jamiluddin Ahmad,
Minister (Press)
High Commission for Pakistan
New Delhi

We choose to rely on Dr. Aijaz Ahmad's critical interpretation of what happened in l'affaire Najam Sethi, and his conclusions. - Editor, Frontline.

Serious journalism

I look upon Frontline as a magazine that is full of serious journalism. After reading Praful Bidwai and Jayati Ghosh and A.G. Noorani I realised what column writing is. Whenever Aijaz Ahmed writes, readers are left craving for more. Essay writing or column writing touched its peak in Aijaz Ahmad's "Balance sheet of the Left" (March 3). I have never come across an essay as informative, enlightening and stunning as this one.

Matvinder Singh
Advocate
Punjab and Haryana High Court
Chandigarh

Cricket

This refers to the article on Sachin Tendulkar who relinquished the 'hot seat' of the captain of the Indian cricket team ("The captain's cross," March 17). It makes one ponder over the future of the game itself in the country. As you have rightly observe d, "the switch in leadership alone is not going to make any long-standing difference, if the system remains the same."

The Indian cricket team's members do not function as a team. They are just a bunch of disparate people, each one individually wielding the willow or the leather. Any 'team' from anywhere seems to be able to beat it.

Kangayam R. Rangaswamy
Durham, U.S.

There was a time when Indian cricket teams were reckoned to be "tigers at home". Now, alas, the tiger's roar sounds like the miaow of a well-nourished cat.

G.S. Chandy
Hyderabad

Book review

This refers to the review of The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese ("Portrait of Friendship", March 3). Susan Ram has done a splendid job of it. In the end, she rightly points to the fragility of human beings and yet she succeeds in establishing that feelings are enduring.

Hours before reading the review, I had written a letter to an old and abiding friend in the United Kingdom. After writing that letter, I started wondering at myself because I had disclosed to him things which I would never dare to do even before my famil y in India. The answers to my question came in your review.

K.K. Sinha
New Delhi

Economic reforms

While the economic reforms in India have benefited the middle and upper middle classes, a significant section of society appears to have missed the bus ("Second generation economic reform," March 3). Development is lopsided. The reform process should be more transparent and people-friendly.

D.B.N. Murthy
Bangalore

Letters to the Editor sent by e-mail will be considered for publication only if the full name and complete address along with identifying details (such as designation and place of work) are provided. - Editor, Frontline