Letters to The Editor — February 22, 2025

Election aid allegations

The truth about U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement, about a $21 million USAID grant in a bid to “get someone else elected”, citing the ostensible reason of ‘boosting voter turnout’ in India, is shrouded in obscurity and opacity. As ordinary people, we do not understand the correlation between voter turnout and election results proving advantageous or disadvantageous to parties. Of crucial importance is when and to whom the money was given. This revelation could be Mr. Trump’s way of ingratiating himself into the good books of the government of the day, without slackening his harsh stand on tariffs and immigration involving Indian nationals, apart from showing the Biden administration in a bad light. On its part, the ruling party at the Centre seems to have accepted Mr. Trump’s ‘disclosure’ as ‘gospel truth’ and gone to town by saying that it has vindicated its leader’s claim of a foreign-funded plot to prevent his return to power. Mr. Trump should share the details of the ‘funding’ not just with the government but also with the people.

G. David Milton,

Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Foreign intervention in any form is deplorable and the people have the right to know where the money went and who the beneficiaries are. As usual while the Bharatiya Janata Party has blamed non-governmental organisations aligning with the Congress to influence elections in India, the Congress has sought a white paper from the government detailing USAID funds to government and non-governmental institutions. Transparency is needed in this issue.

D. Sethuraman,

Chennai

The remarks made by Mr. Trump highlight the broader issue of foreign interference in our democracy. The people need to know the truth without any biased reporting.

Nikhisha T.S.,

Chavakkad, Thrissur, Kerala

AAP and change in Delhi

The BJP’s crusade to wrest Delhi from the Aam Aadmi Party found success with the decade-old AAP faltering on cadre strength. Yet, AAP must be credited for winning the previous two Delhi elections by astounding margins and staying in power for 10 years. This was no mean achievement given an adversarial Centre and a very bureaucratic Lieutenant-Governor.

Even more remarkable is that AAP won Punjab. AAP was the first to prop up the middle class with ‘some free facilities’. The BJP that had constantly trolled it for this would now elevate it to an obligation. It is the same formula that helped the BJP in Madhya Pradesh and in Maharashtra. AAP, a small outfit, was ahead of the times to emerge as a patron of the middle class. It will not be forgotten in a hurry.

R. Narayanan,

Navi Mumbai

Programmes and content

There should be a stronger code of ethics for online content and over-the-top streaming services. This code should prohibit the use of abusive language in programmes broadcast live, a dress code and also marking certain dialogues and scenes as adult content. Hosts should be role models and lead by example.

Janardhan Nandkumar,

Coimbatore

In Dubai

Team India has begun its innings in the Champions Trophy in style against Bangladesh. Shubman Gill’s century helped the team to navigate itself to victory on a pitch that was unpredictable. His patient and meticulous batting performance showcases his calibre, and pitches him as a player who can be relied upon in all three formats. As Team India continues its pursuit, this young batsman can definitely contribute a lot more.

M. Pradyu,

Kannur, Kerala