I read with interest the article “Live and let live” (Nov. 11) by Shashi Tharoor, who also happens to be one of my favorite writers. The article is representative of the true aspirations of the Indian people. It reflects the actual mentality of the people living in the world’ largest democracy.

Indians can never accept the saffron brigade and its divisive policies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should realize that it was its development agenda and the weaknesses of the then Congress-led government that helped it sweep the general election.

The BJP, unfortunately, mistook the public mandate as approval of its communal politics. It is heartening to note that the Indians have realized their folly and now countering the communal politics through ballot. That’s the beauty of democracy and secularism.

Prashant Kakar

Dammam