Letters to The Editor — May 15, 2026

Kerala CM selection

Ultimately, the All India Congress Committee has succeeded in selecting the most suitable leader for the post of Chief Minister of Kerala. V.D. Satheesan had already served effectively as the Leader of the Opposition during the previous regime, gaining valuable administrative and political experience. Moreover, in the recently concluded Assembly elections, the Congress-led UDF secured a resounding victory under his leadership, clearly reflecting the confidence reposed in him by both the party and the people.

At the same time, it would not be appropriate for leaders to aspire to the highest office merely on the basis of their position as Members of Parliament or their proximity to the Congress high command. Leadership opportunities should also be extended to those who demonstrate the capability, vision, and intellect required to govern the State effectively.

Basavaraj N. Akki,

Dharwad, Karnataka

Message and reaction

While the intention behind the Prime Minister’s recent appeal urging citizens to conserve fuel and avoid ostentation and luxury is commendable, it has inadvertently triggered panic among some sections of the public, leading to large-scale stockpiling of petrol and diesel. Such behaviour not only disrupts the supply chain but also creates unnecessary fear and instability in the market.

Panic-driven demand and hoarding can quickly turn a manageable situation into a real and widespread shortage, despite the availability of adequate reserves. In this context, the media must spread awareness about the actual fuel situation and inform citizens about what they can do. A well-informed citizenry can help prevent hoarding, ensure equitable distribution, and maintain calm.

Anushk Singh,

Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Floor test and governance

That Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led alliance won the floor test after days of hectic political activity is welcome. One cannot deny the significant role played by social media in the phenomenal success of the actor-turned-politician’s party within a short span of time. On the flip side, social media algorithms tend to polarise people towards extreme viewpoints.

In sharp contrast, news reports in the conventional print media often reflect ground realities more accurately. The balanced mindset of a large section of Tamil Nadu’s voters is evident from the fact that quite a few did not support the TVK in the election. In this context, Mr. Vijay, as the elected Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has a duty and responsibility to encourage regular engagement with print media among the people he has now politically mobilised. In addition, he should pay attention to prominent voices in the conventional print media. Such a move would help young parties such as the TVK broaden their outreach among a wider section of voters.

A. Venkatasubramanian,

Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu

A certain set of images

The article, “When grief has a face” (Open Page, May 10), was moving. Several photographs have captured the raw emotion, tragedy, and chaos of India’s darkest moments, serving as enduring and unfiltered records of history. When one thinks of tragic images etched in public memory, photographs by the legendary photojournalist, Raghu Rai, instantly come to mind. His photographs following the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy remain among the most haunting depictions of the disaster. Similarly, his cover photograph after Indira Gandhi’s assassination is still regarded as one of India’s most memorable images of grief.

R. Sivakumar,

Chennai