Much ado about nothing

This refers to the well-articulated write-up ‘Pranab’s ruminations at Nagpur’ (June 11). There can't be two opinions about the fact that Pranab Mukherjee’s speech at this key RSS event has bemused one and all. Otherwise, what else could explain his highly matured and justifiably balanced views on India’s plural ethos. However, the blatant manner in which the Congress party persistently blew this non-issue out of proportions by taking an exception to his own ‘personal’ visit to the RSS Headquarters at Nagpur, speaks volumes about its long held hatred towards this key BJP ally. Interestingly, the Congress party is currently patting its own backs by coming out with some self-serving statements in an effort to carve out some politically convenient breathing space for itself post Pranab’s visit to the “home town” of these so-called “political untouchables”. However, the moot question still remains: Did the former President’s personal visit deserve to be accorded such a shabby treatment at the hands of his own party men? And, what about Pranab Mukherjee’s fundamental rights as an ordinary citizen? One just shudders to imagine whether he would now be required to go solely by the wishes of the Congress party’s top brass?

New Delhi

Pranab Mukhejee has delivered useful lessons to both Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh followers and its baiters in his address to its cadre . He informed the secularists that RSS is not an anti-national or untouchable organisation by acknowledging its invitation and noting that its founder KB Hedgewar, was “a great son of Mother India ( Bharat Mata )”. In his speech, rich in nuances and explicit observations, he emphasised the essentials of nationalism — patriotism, pluralism, tolerance and diversity. This was for RSS and its followers. Will it impact the parties involved?. The speech focussed more on RSS and there is room for optimism considering the message of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat: “Diversity is our hallmark…We must come together for a common goal while keeping diversity intact.” However, secular elements will miss his message altogether.

Pune

The Shangai Cooperation Organisation meet at Qingdao seems to acknowledge the scourge of terrorism in the region’s development. India’s stand on mega connectivity projects of China says that issues of national security outweighs its development benefits. The meet also envisages strong commitment to annihilate terrorism and resolve issues by adhering to UN convention. This will strengthen the faith and conviction of the members.

Chennai

This refers to the article ‘Farmers need to think beyond loan waivers’ (June 11), which has rightly mentioned the various grounds that lead to aggravation of farmers woes. No doubt farm-loan waivers are more the desire of the political parties, but the crisis can be handled by addressing farmers’ basic needs, which are more or less similar. The most important aspect that makes borrowing a burdensome issue is not only the return on investment but the diversion of the borrowing to non-farm activities, which the narrative does not mention. Alleviating farmers’ woes is not achievable by overnight remedies but by time-tested measures.

Sakaleshpur, Karnataka

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) lacks consistency across sectors. Not all creditors are resourceful enough to accept large haircuts or sufficiently equipped to identify the potential grey areas in a borrower’s financial position to pro-actively initiate an IRP. If that’s tough, then price discovery and evaluation of bids in a market, non-competitive for distressed assets, is tougher. Interests of shareholders, clients, suppliers, employees and corporate society must be safeguarded by upholding the principles of business ethics while determining long-term liabilities for the new enterprise.

New Delhi

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