Fredrick Noronha writes: Congress, Congress, UPA? Sometimes, I get the impression that mails attacking Congress corruption are more of a tool for cheap political propaganda. What about the Opposition? Does it play its role or take cheap and emotive shots instead of tackling more serious issues? Does it have a significant vision difference from the ruling party?
My response: I am very much surprised at this message. It seems to me that there is an intention of diverting the attention from the issues raised (which, I think, are valid) regarding the games. There is nothing cheap political propaganda here - unless Fred is saying that all those who have posted messages on this list are supporters of political parties other than the Congress and the UPA. I know I am accused of being one such person, but I have not read anywhere on this list that the others are. It also gives me an impression that Fred thinks that ONLY the opposition party should be permitted to do the criticism. My contention, here, would be that in a democracy there are many others who have a valid role to make comments (favorable and unfavorable) on issues. If one has to follow Fred's logic, then on this list we should not criticize the BJP either. Let the Congress party do the job. Fred gives links of three articles relating to the BJP, which he considers to be cheap and emotive shots. From what I have read in the papers, the BJP has taken up the issue of corruption and other matters also relating to the games. Given that Fred is a journalist, anyone not familiar with what is happening in India would get an impression that, on this issue, the BJP has nothing else to say than what Fred has given links to. Another aspect of Fred's post is that he seems to think that the only valid opposition political party in India is the BJP. Best regards, U. G. Barad