Srimandir, systems
Sir: Sri Jagannath Temple and those visiting the shrine are regularly dragged into disrepute as a result of the activities of some rogue elements there. On the one hand, the free and orderly darsan system is being hijacked by systems like hefty ticket payments. On the other, vested interests, that also includes police, servitors and governmental functionaries, are creating problems of various kinds there. The recent attack on a family of pilgrims by some servitors is a case in point. Here are some suggestions: It must be noted that the genuine pandas are not indulging in any misbehavior. They should issue ID cards to servitors who are fielded for pilgrims’ service. A few pay-phone stands must be made available in the temple premises as mobile phones are not allowed in. A few underground urinals may be considered, to ensure hygiene. All high-rise buildings adjacent to the temple need be demolished and security loopholes plugged. Rate charts for prasad distribution are a must to check exploitation. If Pandas fail to rise to the occasion, the age-old system will crumble further. They must act in the best interests of the temple.
Dr (Major) Umachandra Panigrahi, Gandhinagar, Rayagada
Politics, Modi govt
Sir: The nation was facing uncertainty on many fronts for the last 30 years due largely to coalition politics and lack of strong leadership at the Centre. There was no political push anywhere except in the anti-BJP gang-up by pseudo secular and corrupt forces. Most of the regional parties used to stand on one platform to oppose any work done by the BJP to prevent it from coming to power.
The entire Opposition is united today to defame the NDA in spite of several initiatives. We should understand that good works will take time to fructify. The country had become synonymous with scams and loot during the 2009-14 period and the-then government allowed jhoot and loot as the minimum basic principles for administrative functioning.
Now, the same coalition in the Opposition wants to highlight the new government’s failure to bring back black money and distribute Rs15lakh each to every citizen as was promised. Everybody who has minimum common sense understands that it was a pre-election stunt.
The poorest of the poor in the street understood that the Congress party that was in power for over 60 years has allowed loot of public money. Now, after the formation of the NDA government within a period of 12 months, the same corrupt politicians are questioning the BJP as to why the 15-lakh promise was not implemented. The electronic media is making a hue and cry about this aspect, fully knowing this was impossible.
Kulamani Mishra, by EMAIL
