Paint it blue

With regard to 'The red queen' (Culture, April 21) it is now clear that the same Mamata Banerjee who once fought against the Left Front rule's rude ways has now become someone who does not tolerate criticism, with a medieval mindset too. Mamata herself is a painter, but does not seem to understand how cartoons are a language of expression. Prof Mahapatra is not the offending cartoon's creator. Is he really a criminal then? Every society needs space to cultivate creative thought and reaction. If Mamata stifles expression the future will never forgive her. She should know that no one is above criticism.

Uttam K Bhowmik, via email

Ok, ta ta

Confrontation has become a habit for the Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee now (April 21). All politicians, in order to win elections, promise the moon, but once they occupy the seat of power, selective amnesia sets in. With this kind of mood in Bengal now, no entrepreneur will come forward to open factories there, and the hapless people of the state will continue to suffer. All the fierce resistance opposing Tata Motors' plant in Singur meant the net result was that Bengal lost the prestigious plant and educated, unemployed youth searching for jobs missed the bus. Singur may show its ire through ballots in the forthcoming panchayat elections.

H P Murali, via email

Banking on vaults

Aarti Jerath's analysis of Sonia Gandhi's problems in planning a succession (' When plan G failed', April 14) was interesting. Rahul Gandhi has not displayed enough acumen to vault to the top in the Congress. He has to earn his political spurs with many more years spent in the field, planning elections and getting to know his own party better. It would be a disaster if his inexperienced team and him were thrust upon the party and nation suddenly. Despite what has happened in the past, Sonia needs to understand that this is not some small business enterprise for her to do as she pleases with her dynasty.

G N Raj, via email