Your story echoes the sentiments of all right-thinking people who expected so much from the BJP ("The Party is Over", April 15). When the middle class voted for the BJP, it thought the party would deliver the goods, give better governance. That was the time people thought the BJP was "a party with a difference". The BJP has only proved to be a party of indifference.

Bhama, on e-mail

The rise of the BJP can be credited to factors like a dynamic leadership, clean image and the ability to communicate with the masses. Now the inability of the party to do anything substantial on important issues has really disillusioned the common people. Even BJP loyalists are a confused lot today. The only silver lining for the BJP is that it has a good bunch of young leaders who, if utilised properly, can reverse the party's fortunes before the next round of elections.

Praful Jain, on e-mail

Although you have only focused on the BJP, I would say that all major Indian parties suffer from the "experienced politician" syndrome. We need to follow the current worldwide trend of giving young, active people the mandate to manage political affairs. Quick decision-making is a quality that matters most in today's world-a feature seriously missing from our political system.

Sunil Goyal, on e-mail

The BJP had the image of a cadre-based, incorruptible party. People were convinced that the quality of governance under the BJP would be extraordinary. However, their expectations were totally belied. The BJP-run states were highly criminalised, corrupt and inefficient. Also the BJP's traditional constituency was conditioned towards unadulterated Hindutva and not the diluted variety which the party now offers. For the party to regain its earlier glory, it will need to remain out of power for a few years. Besides, it would need to cleanse itself of criminal elements and add an economic content to its agenda.

V.B.N. RAM, on e-mail

Mum's the Word

Your article is a sad commentary on the state of affairs in Gujarat ("End of Hope". April 15). A.B. Vajpayee's visit came too late and achieved little. Instead of being firm and decisive, Narendra Modi dithered and gave enough opportunities to goons to wreak vengeance on Muslims. It is time for Vajpayee to dismiss Modi.

D.B.N. Murthy, Bangalore

The fire may have died but the sparks are still flying. The Gujarat violence has proved that secularism is no longer India's second name. By keeping mum about the riots, the Central Government has exposed its inherent weakness.

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