Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Readers Debate Modi's Record, Election Row and Artists' Legacy
These letters share readers' opinions about public figures and politics.
One reader mourns actor Nana Patekar and says artists should be treated with equal respect.
Another praises Narendra Modi's long record in public service and points to services and infrastructure.
A third reader strongly criticizes Modi, saying his leadership has harmed democracy and failed to solve economic problems.
A fourth reader criticizes Congress over its demand concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The letters do not agree about Modi's record or Congress's actions.
They are readers' views, rather than a single shared account.
N Nagarajan mourns Nana Patekar and says artists deserve equal respect, also naming filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao.
Rajat Kumar praises Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service and cites expanded services, infrastructure and digital payments.
G David Milton criticizes Modi's record, alleging polarization, weakened institutions and unresolved unemployment and inequality.
K R Parvathy accuses Congress of using reported Election Commission disagreements to seek Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
The letters offer sharply contrasting views of Modi's leadership and dispute Congress's approach to the Election Commission.
- Who
- Readers writing about Nana Patekar, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, Narendra Modi, Gyanesh Kumar and Congress.
- What
- A collection of letters offering views on artists' legacies, Modi's record and a dispute involving the Chief Election Commissioner.
- When
- 9 October 2026.
- Where
- The letters are attributed to readers in Hyderabad, Dhenkanal, Maruthancode and Mysuru.
- Why
- The writers express condolences and differing opinions about political leadership and the Election Commission.
Supportive views
Critical views
Narendra Modi's record
Supportive views
Rajat Kumar credits Modi with public-service continuity, expanded household services, infrastructure development and wider digital payments.
Critical views
G David Milton argues that Modi's record includes polarization, democratic backsliding, weakened institutions, unemployment and a wider wealth gap.
Congress and the Election Commission
Supportive views
K R Parvathy says Congress acted irresponsibly by using a media report about internal Election Commission disagreements to seek Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Critical views
The letter provides no response from Congress; it refers to the party's position as seeking the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.
- Publication date
- 9 October 2026
- Letters
- Four reader letters
- Modi service milestone discussed
- 25 years of public service, as described by the letter writers
- Artists discussed
- Nana Patekar and Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
- Election official discussed
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Political party discussed
- Indian National Congress