Apropos A K Bhattacharya's column "Politics of indifference" (New Delhi Diary, November 13) it is indeed disconcerting that despite the Supreme Court's strictures and growing public protests political parties continue to field criminals for contesting elections, add to their personal wealth by inexplicable means and offer the moon in election promises. In such a situation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), people thought, would break fresh ground. But when the AAP also offers freebies, where's the hope for reviving the moral fabric of our democracy?
Viewed in this context, the author's lament about the party's promise of regularising unauthorised colonies and slums looks justified. Regularisation will give "squatters" the right to reside but will it ensure the same degree of civic amenities to others in the city or raise their quality of living? Slums are known to be breeding grounds for anti-social elements, and the only solution is either their planned rehabilitation or phased elimination.
Y G Chouksey, Pune
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
