In praise of CM’s decision
Kudos to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for introducing a people-friendly house repair policy by simplifying the approval process. Many citizens have been seeking exemption from the requirement of a structural stability report by engineers, as not everyone is financially strong to bear such costs. In this context, it would be logical and practical to consider a simple sketch of the house and an estimated cost as sufficient for repair permissions, helping ease the burden on the common man. The Chief Minister deserves appreciation for directing that there is no longer a need to present a file before a panchayat body meeting for permission to carry out repairs on one’s own home. Additionally, the rule that applicants must have paid at least five years of house tax is fair and reasonable. This is truly a public-spirited decision by the Chief Minister.
Smita Naik Satardekar, Nerul
Unfair move
A prominent Catholic organisation has strongly criticised the recent decision by the Delhi police to deny permission for the annual Way of the Cross procession – a significant religious observance for the Christian community held every Palm Sunday – at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi. The organisation called the reasons given by authorities “flimsy,” especially considering that this peaceful procession has been conducted without incident for the past 15 years. Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurien came under fire for defending the move, citing “security concerns” as the rationale. Critics, however, have dismissed this explanation as unconvincing and even disrespectful. Many are questioning whether the Christian community – known for its peaceful observances – is being unfairly targeted, as there is no history of violence or communal provocation associated with such processions. Some have accused the newly instated BJP-led government in Delhi, along with support from the Centre, of using the decision to further a divisive political agenda. They argue that such moves only serve to marginalise minority communities and create unnecessary tension, rather than promoting unity and respect for all faiths.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
On Muslim representation
At a recent rally Prime Minister Narendra Modi thundered: “Why doesn’t Congress make a Muslim its party president? Give 50 per cent tickets in Lok Sabha election to Muslims. If they win, they would put forward their views. But no, they won’t give Muslims anything in the Congress.” In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP fielded only one Muslim candidate and currently, it has no Muslim MPs in the Lok Sabha. Similarly, in state assemblies, Muslim representation within the BJP is minimal; for instance, in the 2025 Delhi assembly elections, no Muslim candidates were fielded by the party. This is egregious given that Muslims constitute about 14-15 per cent of India’s population (roughly 200 million people). In contrast, other parties like Congress or regional outfits often field more Muslim candidates, though with varying degrees of success.
Rekha Sarin Trehan, Benaulim
Congress must reform itself
The recent AICC session held in Ahmedabad has been a significant move for the Congress party, aiming to rejuvenate its presence in Gujarat. The Congress has been out of power for 30 years in Gujarat, which is now closely associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s model of politics and governance. The party’s ideological positions continue to be questioned aggressively by the BJP and it is no longer the dominant political force it once was. There are serious challenges at the organisational and leadership levels. The party does not have grassroots-level presence in large swathes of the country to take its political and electoral messages to the people. While the party is serious about bouncing back, critical questions remain beyond idealism and symbolism as most of its state units are plagued by power struggles and division, damaging the party’s electoral prospects. Additionally, the party has to deal with the leadership issue. Its family-centred top leadership has not inspired confidence with political savvy but it is, still, a leadership the party cannot do without. The Congress is still struggling to find new ideas and narratives to relate to the people.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Bhakti in politics
This refers to the article ‘Enduring relevance of Dr Ambedkar’ by Ajit Ranade (NT, April 15, 2025). The giant cut-outs of the candidates during the time of election in our country make them appear in larger than life characters. This is to create supermen out of democratic leaders and to generate bhakti and awe among us for them. However, such an effort is surely against the concept of democracy. Bhakti for a superman is a roadblock to safeguarding the essence of democracy. Hero worship emanates from a slavish mindset, which interestingly wants to enslave others. On the other hand, a person who does not have a slavish mentality will never try to enslave others.
Sujit De, Kolkata
