We revel in our own “mediocrity” so much that the moment someone, however remotely connected with India, does something good, we start the fireworks without realising what the fuss is all about. Nobel laureate V. Ramakrishnan is right when he says that the work is more important than the personality. It is time our politicians realised this and stopped the “monumental” waste of money over things like statues and used the money instead to educate needy children.

— A. Banerjee

Pune

Leadership woes

The BJP leadership’s internal bickering and over-ambitious nature have contributed to its failure in the elections (‘Loser’s burden’, IE, October 23). Furthermore, the people want young, energetic and enthusiastic leaders with a realistic long term vision for India rather than politicians who squabble over issues such as Hindutva. Internal disagreements in the party are a reason why they have not be able to present a credible alternative to the UPA. It also seems as though the party has no tenable, convincing political agenda for the multifarious problems facing the common man.

— Ved Guliani

Hisar

This refers to ‘Winner takes all’ and ‘Waiting for the credits to roll’ (IE, October 23). The consensus seems to be that Sharad Pawar is the loser in Maharashtra and that is emphatically right. Post-election, the loser will engage in deals and recruit deal-makers to emphasise his waning importance. But the tragedy is that between them, the Congress and the NCP may suffer as well as, in order to counter the SS-BJP leadership, they promoted an unfortunate character. As for the performance of the BJP it needs to take another look at its leadership.

... contd.