letters to editor
EC’S MOVE BIASED
The Election Commission’s decision to disqualify 20 MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for holding office of profit, without going into the basic concept, is shocking. The EC’s decision is subjective and motivated to please its political bosses. There are other states in the country which have appointed parliamentary secretaries, with remunerations. Disqualifying the AAP MLAs reeks of bias and political vendetta. The EC should have worked to ensure amendments in the law. RM Ramaul, Paonta Sahib
II
The disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs on the ground of ‘office of profit’ is a hasty decision taken by the Election Commission. If action has been taken against these MLAs for holding government posts as parliamentary secretaries, the EC should take similar action against the members of other parties as well to uphold its credibility and to discourage any party from doing the same in future. Kashish Thapar, Amritsar
III
The EC’s move has left a bad taste in most people’s mouth. A part of the democratic process has been murdered. It seems Kejriwal has been punished for standing for the right, and daring the Centre over various issues. It appears to be an effort to muzzle AAP’s voice. Or else, why did the President not even give a hearing to the 20 MLAs. Where was the tearing hurry? Have some other states not done the same thing? Rather than stifling the voice of AAP, we should encourage the party for it gives to people a hope of alternative politics. Colonel RD Singh ( Retd), Ambala Cantt
IV
The removal of 20 MLAs and the consequent by-election within six months will be a burden on the public exchequer. It seems that AAP is going to win at least 50% of the seats in the by-election and will remain the party in power. By playing this dirty game, the Opposition will not gain anything. The role of our leaders is highly deplorable. They should not take sides over such issues and remain neutral. GS Bhasin, Amritsar
FUTILE CONTROVERSY
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming movie Padmaavat has been at the centre of controversies. But why are we so concerned about the film when there are other serious issues that need to be discussed? The Central Board of Film and Certification (CBFC) has given a green signal to the movie and that should end the discussion. Dragging the issue is not going to make any difference and fans will anyway watch the film. Kritika Bhau, Jammu
II
It’s rather strange that Padmaavat has become such a big issue even as there are other more important and pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation and education system. Every day there are controversial reports about the movie, but there is no news about the candidates who are protesting against the delay in recruitment by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Some state governments have moved the Supreme Court to seek permission to ban the movie, but they are not bothered about the rising unemployment. State governments should stop wasting their time and energy on such non-productive issues and tackle the real issues. Ashum Khan, Baddi
POLITICS OVER FACTORY FIRE
Apropos the report ‘Politics over factory fire’ (Jan 23, HT), the matter is not about dirty politics, it is about the lives of 17 people who died in the incident. We cannot blame only the factory owner, but the Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC), which gave him approval to raise the illegal building, is also accountable. Someone has to take responsibility to stop such incidents rather than playing such blame games. Anshu Kalra , Ludhiana
INJUSTICE TO DEFENCE PERSONNEL
The curtailment of the perks of the defence personnel is a big blow to their morale. They devote their entire life for the defence of the motherland. Instead of curtailing the facilities, they need to be treated with grace and respect. Beating officers and other ranks (ORs) with the same stick is not fair. The ORs get very meagre salaries and they keep watch on our disturbed borders in all weathers. The civilian officers and our politicians enjoy several perks sitting in AC rooms. The discontinuation of perks of the defence personnel must be revoked to keep their morale up. DP Gautam
THEORY OF EVOLUTION
Union minister of state for human resource development Satyapal Singh’s claim that the theory of evolution is “scientifically wrong” because his ancestors did not see an ape change into a man has generated immense curiosity among intelligentsia. As health and human rights activist, I think our honourable minister is suffering from mental retardation. That’s why he is making such obnoxious statements. The BJP is replete with such people who make unscientific statements such as Lord Ganesha is perfect example of head transplantation, Brahm Astra was a nuclear bomb in ancient times or Pushpak Viman used by Load Rama was a helicopter. Dr Vitull K Gupta, Bathinda
TAKE STRICT ACTION AGAINST FRAUDSTERS
Duping people on the pretext of sending them abroad has become an organised crime throughout the country. Such incidents are on the rise in Himachal Pradesh. Despite efforts by the government and the media, some people fall into the trap of fraudsters due to their keen desire to move abroad and get rich. Recently, a man was duped of Rs 3 lakh by such fraudsters. The matter was not even reported to the police. Lack of employment opportunities is one of the major reasons behind such incidents. The government should take effective steps to curb such crimes. Diksha Rana, Kangra