Letters to The Editor — January 17, 2026

Maharashtra result

The election results for the municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, have sent a strong message to those political parties and leaders who have proudly engaged in the politics of dividing the people of the country. The irresponsible statement, of “kicking out” the people of Hindi-speaking States from Maharashtra, not only hurt the sentiments of Hindi-speaking citizens but was also resented by the Marathi community in Maharashtra. As a result, the people of Maharashtra, especially Marathi voters, through elections, have shown the leaders who practiced such rhetoric the door not only from their hearts but also from power. This is a clear indication that not only Maharashtra, but also the people of the country are no longer swayed by divisive politics played on the basis of caste, religion, and language.

Today, the nation comes first and its security is paramount for the citizens of the country. This is why, in current politics, only those parties and leaders who work for the national interest and development issues are able to win public trust. The BJP has created history on its own in Maharashtra’s local politics. The mandate to make the BJP the largest political party, surpassing regional parties for the first time, is a result of the clear intentions and development-oriented politics of the government at the Centre and in the State. These local elections in Maharashtra have provided an opportunity for introspection to the leaders of political parties who still dream of power that is based on caste, religion and language. Good education, improved health care, strong law and order, peace and security are the priorities of the common citizen.

Arvind Rawal,

Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh

Incarceration without trial

The Editorial page article (January 15, 2025) only reiterates the well-accepted principle put forth by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer — that bail is the rule and jail is an exception. Despite this, Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam continue to languish in jail while the others have been released. Detention without trial is a gross violation of the fundamental right under Article 21. The same principle should apply to the two men as it was applied to the others. There cannot be any distinguishing feature as long detention by itself is a good reason for their release on bail. The top court, which routinely chides the executive for violation of constitutional guarantees, is itself violating Article 14. It can no longer claim to be the sentinel on the qui vive.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai