Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Readers Debate Clemency, Textbooks, Corruption And Tamil Nadu Perks
Four readers wrote about different government and public-interest issues.
One reader said genuine student protesters could receive a one-time pardon, but people accused of attacking police or damaging vehicles should not receive blanket forgiveness.
Another reader was worried that some people linked to the RSS were included in a team reviewing school political-science textbooks.
A third reader said the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister should use proper legal channels if he has evidence of corruption by the previous government.
A fourth reader criticized reported benefits for Tamil Nadu legislators, including cars and monthly allowances.
The reader said this money could be better used for roads, healthcare, education and jobs.
Together, the letters ask leaders to be fair, investigate serious claims and spend public money carefully.
S Lakshmi supports a one-time pardon for genuine student protesters but opposes blanket clemency for alleged violent elements at Jantar Mantar.
Tharcius S Fernando questions the reported inclusion of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-linked members on an NCERT political-science textbook panel.
A P Thiruvadi urges Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to initiate lawful action if he has evidence of corruption by the previous DMK government.
N Sadhasiva Reddy criticizes reported plans to provide Tamil Nadu MLAs cars, allowances and assistants from public funds.
The letters call for accountability, restraint and responsible use of government authority and money.
- Who
- The letters are written by S Lakshmi, Tharcius S Fernando, A P Thiruvadi and N Sadhasiva Reddy, and discuss students, police, education officials, political parties and Tamil Nadu legislators.
- What
- The readers express views on clemency for Jantar Mantar protesters, the NCERT textbook panel, alleged corruption by a previous Tamil Nadu government and reported benefits for MLAs.
- When
- The views were published on 21 August 2026; one referenced report was dated 20 August.
- Where
- The letters came from Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru and discuss events or decisions involving Jantar Mantar, NCERT and Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The writers seek accountability in protest-related cases, textbook preparation, alleged corruption investigations and public spending.
Calls for restraint and accountability
Concerns about leniency and politicization
Jantar Mantar clemency
Calls for restraint and accountability
S Lakshmi supports a one-time pardon for genuine student protesters, especially because police cases could damage their careers, provided they show remorse.
Concerns about leniency and politicization
The writer opposes blanket clemency for alleged violent or criminal elements, saying attacks on police and vehicle vandalism could be encouraged by broad forgiveness.
Political-science textbooks
Calls for restraint and accountability
Tharcius S Fernando argues that textbook development should rely on eminent scholars and expresses concern that RSS-linked members could reshape the political narrative.
Concerns about leniency and politicization
The reported panel’s stated themes include cultural rootedness and Indian Knowledge Systems; the letter raises, but does not establish, that the selection could reflect a deliberate ideological effort.
Tamil Nadu government action and spending
Calls for restraint and accountability
A P Thiruvadi calls for lawful investigation of any credible evidence against the previous DMK government, while N Sadhasiva Reddy argues that public money should prioritize services rather than political privileges.
Concerns about leniency and politicization
The letters acknowledge that evidence need not be publicly released before due process and that elected representatives may receive proposed facilities, but they criticize indefinite inaction and the reported generosity of the package.
- Publication
- MyVoice: Views of our readers
- Date
- 21 August 2026
- Protest issue
- The Jantar Mantar letters distinguish between genuine student protesters and alleged criminal or violent participants.
- Textbook panel
- The NCERT Textbook Development Team for Classes 11 and 12 Political Science was reportedly reconstituted with at least four members linked directly or indirectly to the RSS.
- Tamil Nadu legislators
- The reported package includes cars, ₹75,000 monthly for each MLA and ₹25,000 for an assistant.
- Previous government
- The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister was reported to have said he had evidence of corruption in the previous DMK government.