Today's letter
Sir,
Artists should avoid controversial subjects
This refers to the controversy over a Goan painter portraying a Hindu god in poor light and also other such instances across India. I do not understand why artists — in the name of art — create all these controversial things.
Why do they portray the sentiments and faiths of other communities in poor light rather than doing it of their own community? True, art is an imagination that is without any limits or boundaries. But when it comes to portraying other people’s faiths on canvas, limits should be drawn voluntarily.
It is better to portray their own community’s faith in whatever way they intend to do. There is a need for people of all faiths to respect faiths of all people and also to draw a line on such controversial activities. Or else there are individuals/groups, who would be determined to gain political mileage out of these incidents.
Vinuth C
Bangalore
Work for development
The Opposition at the Centre did raise the issue on price rise in the current session of parliament and the House could not function for a couple of days. But both the Houses started functioning after the government held a meeting with the opposition leaders.
This has not been the case in Karnataka. The Assembly could not function for a single day and many important bills were passed without any discussion. It is unfortunate that both the opposition and ruling parties, have continued to fight in the streets by holding padayatra and janajaguthi samavesha. The people have elected the legislators to do good to the state and not to fight for their personal/political agenda. The high commands of both the BJP and the Congress should intervene and advise its state leaders to behave properly and work for the development of the state.
N Mukund
Bangalore
BGML revival
Sir, This refers to ‘HC directs Centre to revive BGML’ (DH, Aug 4). The high court should also take cognisance of the pending dues to former employees of the BGML and lack of civic amenities in the mining area. Australian firms have shown keen interest in reviving mining in and around KGF. Revival of the mines would surely revive the lives of many people whose livelihood depended on the BGML.
Amarnath Dinesh Roy
Bangalore
Failure of govts
This refers to ‘Kashmir spins out of control’ (DH, Aug 4). Both the state and Central governments have miserably failed to foresee the enormity of the violence and contain its spread across the crucial border state. They are just happy having endless discussions that lead us nowhere. There is no use blaming groups from across the border for the escalating violence.
V Padmanabhan
Bangalore
Disrespect for law
This refers to the letter ‘Gandhi remembered only in protests’ (DH, Aug 4). Mohammad Ali Jinnah had warned Mahatma Gandhi against agitations and had predicted that such acts would usher disrespect for law. His prophecy has come true as we read daily reports of rail-roko, road-roko and even legislators rushing to the well of the House — shouting slogans and some even resorting to fisticuffs.
Malaya Krishnamurthy
Bangalore
Auto cheaper than BMTC bus fares
After the recent bus fares hike, many people feel that traveling in a private 2 wheeler and use of auto looks cheaper. I frequently travel in B M TC bus to many places and it is no longer cheaper,
unless we are buying daily pass. The following details will give the correct picture. If you want to go to next stop, the bus fare will be anything between Rs.6 to Rs.8 and if you grumble the conductor will say this is the stage fare of the bus. Another example: A travel from BEL circle to Muthyalanagar, which is hardly 1/2 KM, the fare is anything between 6 or 8 rupees. If I go by two wheeler it will be just Re 1/- petrol cost. The fare from BEL circle to satellite bus stand comes to Rs 11+Rs 10= 21 if 2 or 3 people are traveling together, then own car will be far cheaper. There are many anomalies like this and certainly people will use their own transport instead of costly and congested BMTC buses, further congesting the already over congested city roads. Recently I had been to Mangalore and there the city buses are operated by private transporters and I was taken aback to find the fares are far cheaper than our own BMTC fare and buses are more efficient and quicker.
S M Nanjappa
Bangalore
Act just don’t talk Mr Chief Minister
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa's announcement that he is firm on his measures to ban export of iron ore from Karnataka can only be taken with a pinch of salt. He never mentioned when the government plans to implement it. An astute leader's balancing act includes how to keep speculation alive on controversial subjects like ban on cow-slaughter, iron ore export, etc. without actually going ahead with them. After all, it should be in the BJP's interest that it’s first government in Karnataka lasts its full term.
P.P. SETHUMADHAVAN
Bangalore
