Sir — This refers to the article, “‘Janata Jugaad’ is at it again; will fail again” (November 24) by Balbir Punj. The author has succinctly given the political developments that expose the desperation of the marginalised politicians rather than offer hope to the masses of the country. But he should have touched upon some of the follies that Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had committed when they were in power with absolute majorities. They had no opposition worth the name. Yet, instead of using the situation to strengthen democracy, they allowed mistakes to happen, which led to the subsequent rise of parochial and regional parties in the country.
Regional party leaders have been the worst perpetrators of caste and communal politics. If India is to develop, the narrow-minded regional parties and their leaders must be shown their place.