Approach to delimitation

Neither the votaries of delimitation nor its critics have come up with any convincing arguments or acceptable points. If the purpose of delimitation is to ensure equal population representation in every constituency, it is high time that delimitation is undertaken. But the foremost question is whether this will in any way improve the provision of civic amenities and address other social issues. If the delimitation exercise is merely a ruse and the real objective is to improve electoral prospects, it requires deeper introspection. Unless political parties come clean about their genuine concerns and spell out the pros and cons, this issue will not be resolved to the satisfaction of the people. Data from previous exercises should come in handy to support the case for delimitation, while the resultant increase in the number of people’s representatives could act as a deterrent. This critical issue requires deft handling.

V. Lakshmanan,

Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

Tariffs as a weapon

The U.S. Senate’s overwhelming approval of a Bill threatening 100% tariffs on countries continuing to import Russian oil should concern India deeply. Washington’s objective may be to squeeze Russia’s war revenues, but using trade as a secondary sanction risks penalising countries pursuing their own energy security. India cannot abruptly replace Russian crude, particularly when supplies through the Strait of Hormuz remain uncertain. At the same time, New Delhi must recognise that continued dependence carries a growing geopolitical cost. India should intensify diplomatic engagement with Washington while diversifying energy sources and markets. Strategic autonomy now requires both economic prudence and diplomatic agility.

Gopalaswamy J.,

Chennai

Such an exorbitant protectionist measure could engender profound distortions in supply chains, exacerbate inflationary pressures and erode the sanctity of the multilateral trading architecture. India must, therefore, exercise strategic circumspection while safeguarding its economic interests. Diplomatic engagement, market diversification and calibrated reciprocity would be more efficacious than retaliatory brinkmanship. In an interdependent world, protectionism is ultimately inimical to shared prosperity and sustainable economic growth.

Nagarajamani M.V.,

Hyderabad

Reviving Chennai’s rivers

The Tamil Nadu Budget has highlighted the plan on cleaning up the Adyar and Cooum rivers in Chennai. Successive governments have allocated crores of rupees towards cleaning these rivers. Yet, for decades, none of them has made any serious attempt to even begin the project in a meaningful way. What Chennai needs today, however, is not merely announcements about river restoration, but flood-free neighbourhoods and roads. The TVK government should prioritise completing the pending drainage works and take concrete steps to protect Chennai from flooding during the monsoon season. Restoring the Adyar and Cooum could also spell significant tourism potential for Chennai. Clean and well-maintained riverfronts could add to the city’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.

N. Mahadevan,

Chennai