neighborhood crisis
For a nation that has had repeated experiences with democracy and a checkered and turbulent effort, the latest developments in Pakistan should come as no surprise to an independent political observer. Given the fact that none of Pakistan’s prime ministers has completed their normal term, the events have again exposed the political vulnerability and fragility of the country that has been trying to nurture and maintain democracy since its inception. is trying. As in the case of India, the Supreme Judiciary appears to be the final savior with its assurance that it will endeavor to pass an ‘appropriate order’.
B Suresh Kumar,
coimbatore
There are surprising parallels in the sudden outburst of political crises in the neighborhood (page 1, “Pakistan SC promises a ‘proper order’,” and “Opposition rejects Gotabaya’s offer”, both April 5). The reasons for the turmoil in the two countries are more or less the same – that is, mismanagement of the economy, hostility to opposition parties and, above all, misgovernance. The leaders of both the countries are trying to cling to power by disregarding democratic values. Any authoritarian approach that flaunts democratic principles will only earn the wrath of the people.
D Sethuraman,
Chennai
The situation in Pakistan is not smooth and India should be prepared to deal with the repercussions. It is only in Bangladesh that Sheikh Hasina’s presence at the top is reassuring. But even here hostile elements are trying to weaken him. A change in leadership will drastically change the equations. Finally, with the Chinese dragon turning hot and cold, India has an uphill task to maintain peace along the border.
Anthony Henriques,
Mumbai
From lack of food, fuel and medicine to power cuts for hours every day, cancellation of exams due to no paper and ink, the problems affecting Sri Lanka are innumerable. With a plethora of debt, rising inflation and dwindling 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 is spending much more than it actually earns.
R Shivakumar,
Chennai
a composite unit
It is certainly the mother of all the mergers the country has seen so far (‘Business’ page, “Merger of parent HDFC with HDFC Bank”, April 5). But as the share and role of PSU banks dwindle as compared to private banks, this giant will further ‘unlevel’ the playing field. The government should fast forward the scheme of merger of PSU banks under its supervision.
However, the question arises as to why these private entities fail to discharge their social obligations despite being a result of the same ecosystem. Why are there only PSU banks in the hinterland and rural areas?
Deepak Singhal,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Bad start for CSK
Chennai Super Kings are in trouble. With consecutive defeats, the champion team is on bad ground. Although the tournament is still in its early stages, the defeat is bound to lower the morale of the team as complex maths will come into play especially with 10 teams. In double-header league matches, getting back in the reckoning will not be an easy task.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu