Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Letters Call for Strong Opposition and Reflect on Public Life
These letters to a newspaper discuss several different subjects.
One writer misses the fun of shopping for Durga Puja in person.
Two writers discuss elections and say India needs a strong Opposition and an impartial Election Commission.
Three other writers remember actor Nana Patekar and praise his work in films and theatre.
They also mention his awards, his connection with the armed forces, and his support for farmers.
The letters say he died at age 75 in Goa and received a state funeral.
These are claims and opinions presented by the letter writers.
A reader says online shopping has replaced the excitement of buying clothes for Durga Puja.
A letter criticizes a column for downplaying protests over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and urges visible impartiality from the Election Commission of India.
Another letter argues India needs a powerful national-level Opposition and says critics should not be dismissed.
Three letters pay tribute to Nana Patekar, describing his acting career, awards, military service, and charitable work.
The letters state that Patekar died at 75 after a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa and received a state funeral from Maharashtra.
- Who
- The letter writers, including Partha Pratim Banerjee and A.G. Rajmohan, comment on shopping, elections, and Nana Patekar.
- What
- A collection of letters shares views on Durga Puja shopping, electoral concerns and the Opposition, and tributes to Nana Patekar.
- When
- The letters refer to a column dated October 8 and describe Patekar's death as occurring on Thursday; no publication date is given.
- Where
- The letters mention Hooghly, Calcutta, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kochi.
- Why
- The writers aim to express personal views, raise concerns about electoral democracy, and honor Patekar's reported legacy.
Column’s framing
Readers’ criticism
Protests over electoral-roll revision
Column’s framing
As described by a letter writer, Swapan Dasgupta’s column downplayed the agitation and defended Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Readers’ criticism
Letter writers raised concerns about transparency, electoral integrity, visible impartiality, and the treatment of public criticism.
Role of the Opposition
Column’s framing
The cited column is criticized by a correspondent as dismissive of critics; the letters do not give a direct defense of that position.
Readers’ criticism
A.G. Rajmohan argues that India needs a strong national-level Opposition and that a vibrant Opposition matters regardless of who holds power.
- Topics
- Durga Puja shopping, electoral politics, and Nana Patekar's legacy
- Electoral exercise
- Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Election official named
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Column discussed
- “More bark than bite,” attributed to Swapan Dasgupta and dated October 8
- Nana Patekar
- The letters say he died at 75 after a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa
- Career and honors
- The letters cite work in Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and filmmaking, three National Film Awards, multiple Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Shri
- Philanthropy
- One letter credits Patekar and the Naam Foundation with supporting drought-affected farmers