Vijay’s challenge

Stardom to statecraft is not a seamless ascent but a gradual stripping of certainty, where visibility must yield to institutional discipline. The Editorial rightly places Vijay at this delicate inflection point, where electoral prominence is no longer sufficient to command governance.

Falling short of the absolute majority mark of 118 seats, he is pushed into a political landscape where authority is no longer singular but assembled. In such circumstances, numbers cease to be mere arithmetic and become the grammar of survival.

The way forward lies in recalibrating alliances as instruments of governance rather than extensions of electoral appeal. Their durability will depend on shared administrative intent — employment creation, infrastructure delivery, welfare execution, and continuity of governance.

Equally critical is internal coherence. A fragmented internal voice weakens external credibility; discipline within becomes the precondition for persuasion outside.

Ultimately, the transition demanded is psychological: stardom centralises attention, while statecraft diffuses responsibility. Between the two lies the difficult art of converting personal appeal into collective trust and electoral momentum into durable governance.

Vijay Singh Adhikari

Nainital (Uttarakhand)

Storm persists

This refers to the article ‘Epic Fury ends, but geopolitical storm is not over’ (May 8).

Though Operation Epic Fury appears to be ending, the geopolitical turbulence surrounding the US-Iran conflict is far from over. A breakthrough in negotiations could calm global markets and ease fears over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, concerns over energy security and fractured geopolitical alignments continue to weigh on the global economy.

PV Prakash

Mumbai

Luring deposits

This refers to the news report ‘Bulk depositors cash in on banks’ need to raise resources to meet credit demand’ (May 8).

Public sector banks should offer progressive and diversified interest rate system for households and firms to attract deposits which can be lent as credit to various sectors. It is really heartening to note that interest rates on one-year bulk deposits (of public sector undertakings, temple trusts and companies) of ₹3 crore and above in banks have gone up to about 7.5 per cent now and also their credit growth considerably. They should keep the momentum going.

S Ramakrishnasayee

Chennai

Published on May 8, 2026