Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Aiyar-Sena row

Sir, — There is no doubt that the slipper `treatment' given by the Shiva Sena leaders to an effigy of the Petroleum Minister, Mani Shankar Aiyar, was disgusting. However, the Minister's action directing that the plaque with V.D. Savarkar's statement be removed from the memorial at the Cellular Jail was equally distasteful. People have a right to their opinion about national leaders of the past but it does not give them the right to damn those whom they do not like. There are many in the country who regard Savarkar as a national hero.

Amit Anand,
Noida, U.P.

Sir, — While all sections of people are condemning the Shiv Sena, no one seems to be annoyed at the insult to Savarkar. If being a strong supporter of Hinduism or being against the Gandhian ideology makes his contribution to the freedom movement suspect, then we have to damn many freedom fighters.

Niraj Kothawade,
Chennai

Sir, — The Hindu was right in publishing the photo of Bal Thackeray and Manohar Joshi, each with a slipper in hand, on the front page (Aug. 28). While it may have no immediate effect on politicians, it will at least have a restraining effect on the not-so-hardcore ones.

Athira Krishna Kumar,
Kottayam, Kerala

Sir, — Only such photographs reveal the true colours of our politicians. The media are considered one of the pillars of democracy and need not refrain from publishing such pictures in the interest of the people.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli, T.N.

Sir, — The publication of the photograph was in bad taste. More people came to know of the unsavoury episode.

P. Sarangapani,
Kumbakonam, T.N.

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