Letters to The Editor — May 9, 2026

A wise man’s advice

The timely epistle by Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal, in the form of an open letter to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader C. Joseph Vijay (“An open letter to Joseph Vijay”, May 6), can be read as a wise man’s advice and, at the same time, a welcome caution and alert to the actor-politician who is a novice in political governance and administration.

Every syllable of the open letter deserves careful reading and assimilation by Mr. Vijay if he has to blossom into a successful Chief Minister.

Mr. Gandhi’s advocacy for Mr. Vijay to keep protection of India’s federal and secular fabric and the tenets of the Constitution as his priority, is laudable. His insistence that he should follow the lofty ideals of self respect and equality preached by Periyar EVR and ardently followed in letter and spirit by his illustrious predecessor M.K. Stalin, needs careful adherence by Mr. Vijay.

All the above are possible only and only when Mr. Vijay realises that the cine glare that has blinded his fans and has made them to vote his party to power could fade away anytime.

Tharcius S. Fernando,

Chennai

Candid camera

The picture of the DMK President, M.K. Stalin, waving at his supporters in the Kolathur constituency following his defeat in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections evokes a sense of despondency (Opinion page, “Picture of the week”, May 8). For a leader who has done so much for his Kolathur constituency in Chennai over the years, especially in terms of infrastructural development, this is certainly not the verdict he deserves.

The strong support for Mr. Stalin from the people of Kolathur, who turned emotional when he visited to thank them, reflects the deep bond he has built with the residents. One cannot and should not forget that Mr. Stalin made Tamil Nadu economically prosperous, with GSDP growth of 11.19% in FY 2024–25 — the first time in 14 years that it exceeded 10% — and 10.83% in 2025–26. In addition, he implemented welfare schemes, particularly for women, which gained wide popularity across the State.

R. Sivakumar,

Chennai