The ray of hope

Someone called Geraldine H had a telling letter in the Indian Express Newsline yesterday July 31. Here it is.

Sir: So the blame game in Mumbai begins. The state government, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the MMRDA, the builders and others are all blaming each other for Tuesday's disaster and the subsequent tragedies.

But we know who's really responsible -- the corrupt corporators, MLAs, MPs and bureaucrats who brought about the horrific situation. They obviously had no knowledge of town planning or disaster management -- and never tried to obtain any.

Slums were allowed to proliferate in low-lying areas and footpaths to enhance their vote banks. Political leaders will now dole out promises and assurances. But how can the corrupt take action against themselves?

And as if to rub salt on the wounds, the Prime Minister has now praised the state government for "efficiently handling the disaster." The PM should be reminded that it was not disaster management but disastrous management in Mumbai.

However, there is a ray of hope at the end of the nightmare. Advani has promised a Ram Temple in Ayodhya! Cheer up, Mumbaikars! Happy days are here again!