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.
Read more from our special coverage on "NATIONALISM"
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
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
