Letters to The Editor — February 10, 2026

Parliamentary anarchism

We boast of our talent and traditions, but the dismal image which our Parliament presents shows how immature we are, lacking the basic decency to debate and discuss issues. Many in the nation have their fingers crossed, in hope, awaiting the day our parliamentarians behave in a consistent manner and save our precious time and money. The Speaker too cannot put all the blame on the Opposition and the Opposition on the Treasury benches. Let us show professionalism, and not anarchism, in the conduct of Parliament.

Brij B. Goyal,

Ludhiana, Punjab

For some years now, the Prime Minister, ahead of the board examinations, has been counselling students through his ‘Pariksha pe Charcha (Discussion on Exams’). Whether this is about examination stress or early bonding with future voters is beside the point. What is missing is ‘Parliament mein Charcha’, where the Prime Minister answers questions from Opposition Members of Parliament. After all, Parliament’s monsoon, winter and Budget sessions are its quarterly, half-yearly and annual examinations. Curiously, the Speaker sensed an “unforeseen situation” near the Prime Minister’s seat and advised him to stay away.

N. Nagarajan,

Secunderabad

Rhetoric and responsibility

The reported controversy over a video uploaded by the Assam Chief Minister — and later deleted — and the complaint filed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader and Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, raise concerns that go beyond partisan politics. If political messaging uses imagery that can be read as targeting religious communities, it risks eroding the constitutional promise of equality and social harmony. While the legal merits of the complaint will be decided by due process, the episode highlights the need for greater responsibility in public communication by those holding high office. In a diverse democracy, symbolism and rhetoric carry real consequences, shaping public behaviour and social trust.

Political contestation must remain vigorous. But it must also remain within constitutional and ethical limits.

Gopalaswamy J.,

Chennai