• This refers to ‘Raj’s men bring street violence to the House’. That an elected member of the House was not only prevented from taking the oath in Hindi but was also subjected to violence in the Maharashtra assembly is shameful. It displays disrespect to the national language and is also a serious blow to democracy. The Maharashtra assembly did the right thing by suspending the four MLAs responsible. This country is run by the rule of law and no one has the right to impose his or her unlawful orders upon people who disagree with them.

— R.J. Khurana

Bhopal

• The hooliganism by MNS members of the Maharashtra assembly is indeed one of the worst acts that could have been committed, and for such a petty reason. Hindi is a national language and there is nothing wrong with taking the oath in it. The responsible MNS members should be punished in an appropriate manner so that members of other political parties shudder before they attempt any similar acts.

— Sandeep Ghiya

Mumbai

• The Indian Parliament and state assembles have been fighting arenas for a long time. The recent episode of Raj Thackeray’s men attacking Abu Azmi for taking the oath in Hindi is not only shocking, but also an affront to the core values and dignity of an individual. This attitude is an impediment to our national growth and a clear sign of ethnocentrism. This has dented our collective sovereignty and tainted our national character.

... contd.