AIADMK becomes BJP’s crutches

Refer to ‘Sounds of a shotgun wedding’; the AIADMK has become the BJP’s crutches that it needs to make its presence felt in Tamil Nadu. Given the allegations that the BJP is trying to impose Hindi on south Indian states or push through the controversial delimitation exercise, Tamil Nadu would prove to be a tough wicket for the saffron party. Hence, it needs the AIADMK desperately. To dispel the perception that the BJP is exploiting a weakened AIADMK, Amit Shah affirmed that the alliance would fight the elections under EK Palaniswami’s leadership. However, the NDA could find it challenging to finalise a seat-sharing formula.

SS Paul, Nadia (WB)

Aadhaar card’s limitations

Refer to ‘Aadhaar fails the women who need it most’; the Aadhaar card, intended as a tool for inclusion, often doesn’t help needy women, especially in rural and marginalised communities. Many lack access to documentation, face biometric mismatches or are denied benefits due to authentication errors. Trapped in bureaucratic loopholes, widows, single women and migrant workers suffer. To rectify errors, the UIDAI must ensure a gender-sensitive enrolment process, simplify grievance redressal and decouple essential services from rigid authentication requirements. Mobile enrolment units, community-level support and robust data privacy norms are vital to empower women and restore faith in a system that should protect, not exclude, the vulnerable.

Sikandar Bansal, Shimla

Choksi must face trial in India

Apropos of ‘Cornering Choksi’; the diamantaire’s arrest is a significant victory for Indian investigative agencies. However, the job is incomplete without his extradition. He must stand trial in India for the massive financial fraud he allegedly committed along with his nephew Nirav Modi. Belgium, known for its strong stance on human rights, must remember that shielding a fugitive accused of looting a developing country’s public funds is not an act of justice. It is a mockery of justice.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Swift action restores confidence

Refer to ‘Cornering Choksi’; his arrest has ignited hope that he would be extradited soon. However, the seven-year delay back home in deciding the ED’s plea to declare him a ‘fugitive economic offender’ is troubling. While legal hurdles are discussed, we often ignore the leniency often shown to wealthy absconders. The claim that Indian prisons are unfit for a cancer patient like Choksi rings hollow as umpteen ailing inmates are serving their terms. Swift justice in high-profile cases is vital to restore public trust and deter future economic offenders.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Pass on advantage to exporters

Much to the delight of borrowers, the RBI has reduced the repo rate twice in the last six months, making loans cheaper. In the wake of America’s tariff hike, the heads of banks should sit together and formulate policies to extend help to exporters by making loans cheaper, reducing hedging charges and letters of credit charges. An opportunity has arrived for textile exporters as the US has imposed higher tariffs on Thailand, China, South Korea, Vietnam and Bangladesh as compared to India. Textile exporters are spread across the country; they are also competitive in terms of quality.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Power theft is sabotage

Refer to ‘Power theft shocker for PSPCL, loses Rs 5.5 cr/day’; the staggering loss of over Rs 2,000 crore annually due to rampant power theft in Punjab is alarming. Despite power subsidies, culprits continue to steal electricity using illegal connections, tampered meters and underground wiring, especially in border areas. Such theft not only cripples the PSPCL but also unfairly burdens honest taxpayers who are made to bear these losses indirectly. The physical threat to enforcement teams and political patronage to offenders worsen the crisis. Without strong political will and consistent crackdowns, the problem will persist. Power theft must be treated as economic sabotage. Repeat offenders must be dealt with firmly to restore fairness and fiscal responsibility in the power sector.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Letters to the Editor