Letters: End the nationalism row

With reference to the thought-provoking editorial, "A disturbing development" (April 5), the controversy over expressions of nationalism refuses to go away. Self-appointed spokespersons of the Bharatiya Janata Party like Devendra Fadnavis and "god-persons" owing allegiance to the party's ideology are frequently indulging in mindless outbursts.

I endorse the view of the editorial that it is extremely disturbing when a government office-bearer says that citizenship of India is contingent on the chanting of patriotic slogans. This is reprehensible and does not augur well for the future of the Indian democracy.

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• Nationalism shouldnt turn into despotism

Nationalism can't be injected through threats; it has to come from within. The controversy over what constitutes nationalism must be shelved quickly. Let us not make a mockery of ourselves before the world. But it is incumbent on all citizens of India to be loyal to their country from the core of their hearts.

S K Gupta New Delhi

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