Fuel prices
The way the prices of petrol and diesel in India are increasing is certainly a matter of concern. With a litre of petrol selling at more than Rs 100 now, the common men in India feel the pinch in their pockets. While prices of various commodities go on increasing day by day, the earnings of the people do not go up in the same way. The increase in prices of petrol and diesel is because of the high rates of taxes the government has imposed. The government cannot impose a financial burden on common men by imposing higher rates of taxes on petrol and diesel. Under no circumstances, the government should undermine the financial burden of the common men. We urge the government to reduce the structure of taxes imposed on petrol and diesel so that prices of petrol and diesel come down by a good amount. Petrol and diesel do not fall under the category of luxury items. Indeed, in the modern era, petrol and diesel are considered essential commodities.
Maheswar Deka,
Rangia
Lesser devil
You are a regular watchdog of state politics, courtesy to your esteemed daily, since long. During the earlier time of election campaigning, I have witnessed two political leaders belonging to ruling and opposition, namely Lt. Mahendra Mohan Choudhury and Lt. Lakshyadhar Chowdhury, both belonging to different political camps but while going for election canvassing, they share the same vehicle. Such was the spirit of democracy during that time. I also saw people coming out voluntarily to build rostrum to hear their dear leaders. It was simply a debate on the ideology of one's party for which they are campaigning. But now? It is simply mudslinging at the lowest level, even up to calling each other by name. The ideology of their party is simply a forgotten chapter as seen in the case of three deserters and two Gogoi's who need no introduction to any sensible voter of Assam.
In today's scenario, opting for the lesser devil is the only option for us. This is the fruit of Indian secular democracy. Alas!
Dr Ashim Chowdhury,
Guwahati.