Wider reach

Sir — While interviews by five senior Union ministers to two prominent YouTube content creators in recent weeks have raised ethical questions about whether public money was being spent on political promotions, they also highlighted an interesting political trend. Politicians are now increasingly turning to online celebrities — commonly referred to as influencers — to interview them. Traditionally, this role would be played by journalists. The change in political outreach encapsulates a broader media shift towards social media consumption enabled by cheap internet access as younger viewers move away from conventional platforms such as television. Such interviews by influencers may thus help politicians reach young Indian voters.

Sahana Das, CalcuttaDouble standards

Sir — Both the state government and the Centre are responsible for what is happening in Manipur. The decision of the West Bengal government to bring a motion condemning the violence in Manipur is thus welcome (“Assembly nod for motion on Manipur’’, July 29). However, the Trina­mul Congress has opposed a motion on an incident of sexual assault in Malda. This is rather surprising. Not only should the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, ensure that all motions are admitted and discussed in the assembly but she should also take stern action against the police for the illegal detention of the Malda victims for five days. S.S. Paul, Nadia

Sir — It is shocking that a cabinet minister in West Bengal has dismissed the alleged sexual assault on two women in Malda as a minor kerfuffle. Her allegation of theft against the women is unsubstantiated. One cannot help but feel that she is levelling this charge just because the victims are poor. Mrinal Kanti Kundu, Howrah Keep it open

Sir — The editorial, “Rights choice” (July 28), has correctly pointed out that the Right to Information Act has been so diluted over time that it has lost its edge. The reluctance of political parties to reveal details about the cases pending against their candidates or regarding their funding raises questions about their commitment to transparency. Jahar Saha, Calcutta

Sir — Keeping political parties outside the purview of the Right to Information Act is a mistake. Political parties, irrespective of their ideological leanings, have shown no initiative to change this. This amounts to collusion. Any organisation that seeks votes from the public cannot be allowed to remain opaque. Fateh Najamuddin, Lucknow Scary history

Sir — Ramchandra Guha’s illuminating article highlighted the disturbing similarities between fascist Germany and present-day India (“Distinctive vision”, July 29). Unquestioned support for the government, uncritical devotion to a single leader and violence in the name of religion are gaining momentum. Jingoism and parochial nationalism have become the order of the day. Albert Einstein saw the very same fault lines in right-wing Germany. India is repeating the mistakes. It is on a self-destructive path. Amit Brahmo, Calcutta

Sir — Ramachandra Guha has presented Albert Einstein’s view on matters of morality and politics, especially in the context of 20th century Germany. The scientist faced strong opposition for his liberal and egalitarian views and yet remained strong about his ideals. This is appreciable. Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly

Sir — The article, “Distin­ctive vision”, was important as it was a reflection on past mistakes that India should avoid. The country would do well to heed these lessons. Jamal Akhtar, Mumbai Prize politics

Sir — A winner of a prestigious prize would not want to return it on a whim (“Prized promise”, July 29). If a government’s actions become authoritarian beyond imagination and some brave intellectuals decide to protest against them, they have every right to do so. In fact, this is the most civilised way of protesting. Aranya Sanyal, Siliguri

Sir — The return of a national award by an artist or writer is his or her way of expressing disapproval towards the government. But is there no other way to express this discontent? Returning a national award shows a country in poor light internationally. It is also astonishing that these artists and intellectuals react aggressively to some incidents while remaining silent about others. Vinay Asawa, Howrah Hunger pangs

Sir — While shoe polish checks were common in school in the earlier days, apparently some schools in India are now checking lunch boxes. Students are being compelled to finish their lunch with no leftovers. The concern about a student not eating and ending up hungry seems valid. But it seems rather excessive when it comes to forcing children to finish their lunch box. There could be various reasons for a child to eat less in a day. Rekha Behera, Calcutta Divisive morsels

Sir — Paranoia about religious persecution has reached absurd heights in India. Misinformation being circulated on Twitter claims Muslim restaurant owners have been arrested for selling biryani mixed with contrace­ptive pills to Hindu customers and ‘normal’ biryani to Muslim customers. This is ridiculous. The right-wing is now targeting the one food item that unites Hindus and Muslims in India. Mahek Kaur, Barnala, Punjab

Sahana Das,Calcutta

Sir — While interviews by five senior Union ministers to two prominent YouTube content creators in recent weeks have raised ethical questions about whether public money was being spent on political promotions, they also highlighted an interesting political trend. Politicians are now increasingly turning to online celebrities — commonly referred to as influencers — to interview them. Traditionally, this role would be played by journalists. The change in political outreach encapsulates a broader media shift towards social media consumption enabled by cheap internet access as younger viewers move away from conventional platforms such as television. Such interviews by influencers may thus help politicians reach young Indian voters.

Sahana Das, Calcutta

Sir — While interviews by five senior Union ministers to two prominent YouTube content creators in recent weeks have raised ethical questions about whether public money was being spent on political promotions, they also highlighted an interesting political trend. Politicians are now increasingly turning to online celebrities — commonly referred to as influencers — to interview them. Traditionally, this role would be played by journalists. The change in political outreach encapsulates a broader media shift towards social media consumption enabled by cheap internet access as younger viewers move away from conventional platforms such as television. Such interviews by influencers may thus help politicians reach young Indian voters.

Sahana Das, Calcutta