The Indian Express -- Expressions

This page contains Editorial and Op-Ed articles

Thursday, December 25 1997

Letters to the Editor

Bankrupt parties

It was not always like this. In earlier elections, major issues were at stake. An economic policy debate was initiated by the garibi hatao slogan of Indira Gandhi in 1971. Fundamental questions of democratic freedom were raised during the elections of 1977 held after the Emergency. Bofors, as a symbol of corruption in high places, dominated the polls that unseated the Rajiv Gandhi Congress in 1989.

Proportionate penalty

Thirteen years after the 1984 riots in Delhi, the families of the victims are finally getting justice. Under normal circumstances, such tardiness would occasion censure. In a country where riot cases are rarely investigated, however, the five death sentences handed down so far constitute a feat of sorts.

Hindu-Muslim ties are a-changing

The demolition of the Babri masjid, however barbaric, was not without its blessings as it initiated in Muslims a silent process of stock-taking, self-appraisal and introspection. Besides this, it made Hindus feel a sense of guilt and made them realise the hollowness of communal politics.

Bankrupt parties

Proportionate penalty

Communism's left luggage

OIC summit's Kashmir resolution

Hindu-Muslim ties are a-changing