Maharashtra’s political parties have sunk to new lows

Our readers have their say about post-election drama in India, rules-based order and flying over the UAE

epa08026362 Devendra Fadnavis (C), Chief Minister of Maharashtra, speaks to the media during press a conference in Mumbai, India, 26 November 2019. Devendra Fadnavis announced his resignation on 26 November, citing the lack of seats to prove his majority in the assembly ahead of a floor test on 27 November.  EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI
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I write in reference to the letter Politics and elections in India have become as scrambled as eggs (November 24): Devendra Fadnavis, who belongs to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, resigned as chief minister of the Indian state of Maharashtra on Tuesday. He did this rather than face the "floor test" in the state's legislative assembly – as ordered by the Supreme Court – to determine whether he has the support of a majority of legislators to form government.

His term, since being sworn in on Saturday, lasted for just three-and-a-half days and has paved the way for three other parties to come together and stake claim. The machinations of the past four days, in particular, have exposed Maharashtrian politicians’ greed in their pursuit of power. The BJP, which has always boasted about being principled, was seen indulging in rank opportunism. The party, as a result, has lost face and possibly even the respect of the common man. It is time for the three parties who will form government to focus on rebuilding the economy.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

It is important to preserve the rules-based order in the West

I write in reference to Rashmee Roshan Lall's article Amid preparations for Nato's 70th anniversary summit, no one seems sure about where Europe should be heading (November 26): it is troubling to read about people questioning the wisdom of the formation of organisations such as the European Union and Nato. These are blocs that were created after the end of the Second World War in order to build and preserve a rules-based international order.

These collaborations are being given another look by present-day leaders with no credible alternative solutions at their disposal. I just hope better sense prevails among politicians and organisations like the EU and Nato are preserved.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

The UAE landscape is remarkable and beautiful to look at

I write in reference to Janice Rodrigues' article Sky high: 8 photos from an Emirati drone photographer that show the UAE in a new light (November 27): just by flying in and out, you can see how remarkable and beautiful the landscape is.

Name withheld by request