A chameleon

Never thought I would see the day when Shashi Tharoor could be characterised as a chameleon. He was upset at being ignored by the leader of the party and went into a sulk. He was invited to a personal chai pe charcha with the Congress high command, and viola, Tharoor turned over a new leaf. His utterances in the parliament and his reaction to the budget indicate his changing stance. I don’t blame him; after all, he has to earn his bread.

Gundu K. Maniam, TN

US designs 

US President Donald Trump seemed to push forward his agenda to bring all OPEC countries under his control, as he expressed his desire for a regime change in Iran. The US’s bullying tactics around the world, whether in Venezuela, Iran or even India, to make financial gains, need to be checked by the global south. The history of the US attacking Iraq and assassinating Saddam Hussein on a ‘false’ premise of his piling up weapons of mass destruction should have been the wake-up call for the world.

P.R. Ravinder, Hyderabad

Corruption rules

The news of part of an under-construction pillar falling down, killing a few people, is not at all surprising. Because news about under-construction bridges or buildings collapsing and newly laid roads hollowing even before their inauguration has become a common occurrence. The underlying cause for all such happenings is corruption. Every party speaks against corruption but lives with it. No politician is ever caught, and no officer is punished. 

A.G. Rajmohan, Anantapur

PM’s new office

The shifting of the Prime Minister’s office to ‘Seva Teerth’ symbolises a decisive break from the colonial legacy and a commitment to governance rooted in service and self-reliance. The first decisions—empowering the poor, women, youth, and farmers—reflect the pillars of Viksit Bharat, including Rs 1.5 lakh aid for accident victims and major funds for agriculture and start-ups. The Prime Minister’s call to reflect daily on easing citizens’ lives sets a moral benchmark. Its success now depends on every entrant living that spirit.

R.S. Narula, Patiala

BNP’s victory

With a landslide verdict in its favour, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is set to form the government in Dhaka, with its leader Tarique Rahman becoming the country’s first male prime minister in decades. The new government faces daunting challenges. Restoring weakened institutions and pursuing political reconciliation must come first. New Delhi and Dhaka must repair the strained ties between their peoples. Securing India’s missions and protecting minorities will be essential. 

N. Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru

A model Indian village 

Apropos “Saundala’s step to caste-free status” (Feb 14), Saundala village’s decision to declare itself caste-free is a bold civic experiment that shifts reform from slogans to shared duty. By asking residents to identify as human, opening public space to all, and penalising discriminatory behaviour, the gram panchayat has turned constitutional ideals into daily practice. Success will depend less on resolutions and more on conversations, monitoring and enforcement across communities. Other villages should watch closely, borrow ideas and adapt them. If sustained with humility and accountability, Saundala’s initiative could prove that social change begins when neighbours choose dignity over divisions.

K. Chidanand Kumar, Bengaluru