n The views expressed in the editorial ‘Holy cows’ (IE, September 16) may be true. Or these may reflect our frame of mind as a result of the hypocritical pretence of our political class. Morality in public life is essential for good governance. Though I oppose almost all the policies and working style of the Congress, I yet appreciate the gesture of its leaders to travel simply, even after considering the negative factors mentioned in the editorial. It would be great if it is not pretence; but if it is, even then the gesture is not bad and needs to be repeated, for regular pretence may gradually turn into reality.

— Satwant S. Kalkat

Ludhiana

Penny wise, pound foolish

• The austerity measures initiated by Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee are no doubt noteworthy. But the Congress must rethink the “measures and consequences”. By undertaking train travel, they are causing harassment for the general passengers; the security personnel’s highhandedness too inconveniences people. Besides, when ministers travel economy, why are the seats next to them kept vacant? Are the airlines told not to sell tickets for those seats? If so, are these ministers taking the cost of such vacant seats into account? If the airlines have to go forego the fares of at least 3-4 seats every time a VVIP travels economy, what is the purpose of austerity measures?

— Crishna S. Kumar

Dombivli

Keep options open

•This refers to K. Subrahmanyam’s two-part article on nuclear deterrence (IE, September 15, 16). In a rational world, the no-first-use policy would be perfect. But with indoctrinated adversaries like global jihadists, euphemistically called non-state-actors in Pakistan, rationality can be ruled out. Then, no-first-use can be an idealist’s debilitating choice, allowing the aggressor to strike and deny, with our leadership sending “dossiers” of proof to Pakistan while succumbing to American advice (pressure?) to maintain calm.

... contd.