With the opinion polls predicting a decline in the number of seats for the NDA, it appears to be like a case of a long-distance runner who starts off with a steady sprint and then loses steam as the finishing line comes closer ("It is Not a Walkover", April 26). The NDA should keep in mind that slow and steady wins the race.

Anusha Singh Saharan, Delhi

The Congress has failed to counter the NDA's India Shining campaign. It is instead trying to malign the NDA's image and achievements. This is probably the reason why it still lags in the opinion poll ratings. It is evident that the party lacks leaders who can remove the "shine" from the NDA.

G.S. Rao, Bangalore

The slipping figures predicted by the survey indicates that the NDA cannot afford to be complacent in the final stretch.

A. Jacob Sahayam, Thiruvananthapuram

The findings of the opinion poll will be like sweet music to the Congress' ears because only a few weeks ago political analysts were saying that the party would be condemned to the footnotes of history after E-2004.

V. Padmanabhan, on e-mail

Instead of focusing on the fact that the NDA is not shining as much as it was sometime ago, you should have highlighted the fact that Atal Bihari Vajpayee has still managed to keep the NDA in the race and that too as a frontrunner.

Shiv K. Sharma, Faridabad

Out of Control

The recurring examination paper leaks are making a mockery of our education system ("Failing the Test Again", April 26). Since students pay huge amounts to buy these papers, they try to recover that amount by any means as soon as they get a job. This chain of events leads to a deterioration of society and must be stopped as soon as possible.

Gautam Bhatia, Delhi

One can only imagine the quality of the doctors and engineers who had managed to get admission through unscrupulous methods. They are corrupting the entire system. Shining India definitely needs to do something about this malaise.

Varun Hansraj, Ambala Cantonment

Instead of just booking the criminals there should also be a provision to initiate strict action against students who buy these question papers for huge amounts.

M. Kumar, on e-mail

It is a sad mockery of our system when a person claims that he is innocent because crimes similar to the ones he is accused of were taking place even when he was behind bars. Who knows, Ranjit Singh might be running the whole show by remote control.

H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Mysore

Tragic End

The incident at Lucknow proves that all the NDA's claims about India shining are totally hollow ("Draped in Doom", April 26). Otherwise they would not have been able to tempt people with saris costing a mere Rs 40.

Ranjana Manchanda, Delhi

Can we blame politicians alone for what happened at Lucknow? As a citizen I feel I have done precious little for my country or donated anything to the needy. I feel people like me too should take some share of the blame for the incident.

Ajanta Phatowali, Assam

Even more tragic than the loss of lives is the manner in which some political parties are trying to brazen their way out. No party is willing to make an issue of it because it might bring some skeletons tumbling out of their own cupboards.

Shailesh Gandhi, Mumbai

The tragedy highlights the moral character of our politicians. It is amazing how Lalji Tandon is refusing to take responsibility in spite of the fact that the people died because they went to collect gifts at his birthday function.

Aniket Singh, Ambala Cantonment

The Congress wants Tandon prosecuted. It seems to have forgotten that for over 50 years it has survived by doling out sops to various vote banks.

P. Ramesh, Bangalore

Moral Support

I wonder if the self-righteous keepers of society's morals would be willing to offer these women a decent means of livelihood ("Savvy Sex Merchants", April 26). Will any of them come forward to rehabilitate them? If not, they should leave them to lead their lives the way they choose to.

Vivek Khanna, Panchkula

Good Samaritans

In the ongoing period of political rhetoric, reading about the noble deeds of the four expatriates was like a breath of fresh air ("Visionaries of Hope", April 26). Their determination to rise above their handicap is testimony to their inner strength. They make one wonder if they are more Indian than most Indians living here.

Suresh Behera, Ranchi

Dream World

The article on dreams has transported me into a new world ("Why we Dream", April 19). I will now take my dreams more seriously as they have a bearing on my future. It would have been nice if the article had given some information about recurring dreams.

Manisha Mishra, Orissa

Family Politics

While it is true that hereditary succession appears out of place in a democracy, it is also true that one cannot be denied the opportunity to realise one's political ambitions just because some other member of his or her family is in politics ("Family Business", April 12).

Basudeo Sonthala, Mumbai

In a country where politics is regarded mainly as a profession for the unscrupulous, it is heartening to note that qualified young men like Rahul Gandhi, Feroze Varun Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot are stepping into the field. It augurs well for the future of our country.

Ritu Goyal Harish, Delhi

The conservative and feudal mindset of the Indian people is the major factor behind the success of family politics in the country. As long as our political parties remain the private fiefdom of its leaders, we cannot claim to have a strong democracy.

T.S. Pattabhi Raman, Coimbatore