letterstoeditor

FOURTH ESTATE: FIRST POWER

The media’s role in pressing the police to register a strong case — based on facts — against the accused in the Chandigarh stalking case in commendable. Amid many allegations made against the media over paid news and biased coverage, such a positive all around support spawns new faith in the institution. Kudos to the media fraternity for its sustained efforts to bring justice in a case that could very easily have ended into a compromise. Upant Sharma, Panchkula

II

Varnika Kundu is among those rare women who have demonstrated the courage to speak out about the ordeal she faced. She has vowed to pursue justice and set an example for all women who suffer silently, for compulsions of various kinds. Since the BJP portrays itself as a party with a difference, it Haryana chief, Subhash Barala, should have resigned immediately after the incident came to light. It was only Varnika’s presence of mind that she called up the police, otherwise the crime could well have been much worse. SK Khosla, Chandigarh

FUNCTIONING PARLIAMENT IS THE SOUL OF DEMOCRACY

Dummy members in legislatures do more harm than good to society, and their own conscience, by absenting or not participating in debates in the House proceedings. In short, they are not doing their duty assigned to them by public. In fact, good questions are the soul and spirit of healthy democracy that improves the august body’s functioning for the welfare of masses. Sachin Tendulkar and actor Rekha are popular icons and their absence and silence in the House is a disservice to the nation. These icons have ample experience of life and people, and this be put to work for the welfare of masses. Empty seats are an eye sore in the House. BM Singh, Amritsar

MAINTAIN DIGNITY OF RAJYA SABHA

The post of a Rajya Sabha MP is not meant to be used a title or an honour that is to be taken and then forgotten. In our country, this House has become more of a dumping ground for failed politicians and for some celebrities. The celebrities may be admired more for declining the offer of RS membership, if they can’t spare time to attend Rajya Sabha. Dignity of our Rajya Sabha should be upheld by selecting candidates of calibre who can enrich the Upper House by their expert opinion, and also justify their selection by participating in the Rajya Sabha sessions and debates. Their indifference devalues democracy. Mona Khokhar

DEMOCRACY REDUCED TO A FARCE

The political drama in Gujarat was quite unnatural and reduced democracy to a farce. The Congress was forced to keep its MLAs holed up in Bengaluru for more than a week to ensure that the BJP was unable to lure them into its fold. It is just so ridiculous to believe that elected representatives are not even trusted by the party that gave them ticket to contest in the first place. It is high time we thought of ways to end this farce of a democracy. Sherin P Shaji

MINISTER SIDHU DOING ADS

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is also seen appearing in an advertisement. This is against the code of conduct for ministers. There cannot be a situation where Sidhu can claim to be a public servant from 10am to 6pm and is thus not accountable to the public for his actions after six. Chief minister Amarinder Singh should ask him to resign as a minister, if he wants to continue with TV ads and shows. Parminder Singh, Ludhiana

BRAIDCHOPPING MAKES NO SENSE

The recent incidents of braidchopping and a Moga boy’s attempt to use this as cover to cut his hair makes no sense. These incidents are based on hearsay and rumours and it hard to see any logic on why would somebody cut off woman’s hair? Woman falling unconscious just before their braids are chopped is also quite unbelievable. Jasleen Kaur Dhillon,

Kapurthala

LAWMAKERS OR LAWBREAKERS

Our country’s lawmakers have the firm unshakeable belief that they have the licence to break laws. The latest instance of this is Nitish Kumar, who even as he pretends to the cleanest of the clean, acted in criminal hurry in collusion with the governor and the unprincipled BJP to form a new government within hours. His lust for power did not stop him from breaking the ‘Grand Alliance’ in favour of the ruling dispensation comprising — by some accounts — more tainted MLAs and ministers facing serious criminal charges than those associated with Lalu.

RM Ramaul, Paonta Sahib

RECRUITMENT FOR SUBORDINATE JUDICIARY

Nine high courts in India have opposed the Centre’s proposal that recruitment for subordinate judiciary may be made through a national competition on the pattern of NEET held for admission to medical colleges. Media reports suggest high courts are opposing the proposal as they want to retain with themselves the administrative control over subordinate judiciary. However, as proposed the competition can be held for eligibility by UPSC. But the appointments can be made by respective state governments on recommendations of high courts. Beant Singh Bedi, Mohali

BJP’S LOSS IN GUJARAT

No doubt, the BJP succeeded in wooing Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). But the over-confident saffron party and its president Amit Shah have been outmanoeuvred by the Congress, steered by its old warhorse Ahmed Patel, in Gujarat Rajya Sabha elections. The Gujarat development shows that the BJP may have to face rough weather if it tries to indulge in horse-trading in other states too in future. Jaspreet Kaur, Mohali

CHINA’S FRUSTRATED MOVES

Despite the aggressive stand of China and India on the Doklam stand-off, foreign experts feel that both the nations do not want a war. India’s intervention in the disputed territory was termed as unwanted meddling by Beijing. India has been firm with regard to its policy of supporting Bhutan. Since India enjoys international support, China is getting frustrated Amit Kumar, Amritsar