The Hindu : Sweeping remarks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 29, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Sweeping remarks

Sir, — The sweeping comment of the Chief Election Commissioner, J.M. Lyngdoh ( Dec. 26 ), that he could not think of a single living politician who is committed to democracy is unfair. The fact that we are able to keep a democracy working in such a large and diverse country cannot be underestimated.

V.K. Sathyavan Nair,
Kottayam, Kerala

* * *

Sir, — That Indian politics has more to it than what meets the eye of Mr. Lyngdoh has been clearly brought out in the article "Politicians as easy targets" ( Dec. 27 ). Cynical remarks do not contribute a wee bit to providing remedy to the many ills Mr. Lyngdoh has spelt out.

K.N. Chidambareswaran,
Coimbatore

* * *

Sir, — It is time to remind ourselves of the adage, yatha raja tatha praja (As is the ruler, so is the ruled). Ironically in our democratic system, the voter is the ruler. It is the voter who becomes politician, enacts and amends laws — of course carcinogenic laws.

Ch. Naga Vardhan,
Attili, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — Be it the Laloo Yadavs of Bihar, or the Narendra Modis of Gujarat, they represent us. When Mr. Lyngdoh calls politicians names, he is, in effect, calling us names. But what has Mr. Lyngdoh done about the dismal scene? It is easy to make headlines when one holds one of the highest offices in the country. Why did he not join politics, and fight all the evils as a politician? Of course, that is not his job. Nine out of 10 among us feel it is not our job. That is precisely why politicians are what Mr. Lyngdoh thinks they are.

Jayaprakash Menon,
Kochi

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Lyngdoh's comment is a perfect example of the pot calling the kettle black. It is well known that the bureaucratic class to which he belongs has utter disregard for delegation, decentralisation and empowerment. That is the main reason why grassroots institutions such as panchayats have not performed to their potential.

Padmakishore,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Lyngdoh's sweeping allegations are not only in bad taste but are also likely to discourage a few honest people who want to enter politics.

S. Charuhasan,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Such strong remarks, coming from a top constitutional functionary, are indeed unfortunate. While there is no doubt about the quality of politicians in our country, the need of the hour is to work for corrective measures.

N.G. Krishnan,
Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — No electoral reforms are complete without attracting 100 per cent franchise in the local, State and national elections. The EC must ask Parliament to enact a law making voting compulsory. In the long run, it will be a democratic deterrent to political cancer.

George Olivera,
Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Lyngdoh is right in saying that no politician is committed to democracy. All political parties indulge in vote bank politics and mudslinging, and make false promises. Ruling parties use the government machinery to manipulate data to impress upon the public their achievements.

Rallapalli Subbulakshmi,
Nellore, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Lyngdoh is justifiably worried about the increasingly corrupt and mobocratic political set-up. He has been consistently speaking his mind, enabling the public to realise the importance of the vote.

Jeyshree Jayaraman,
Coimbatore

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Lyngdoh has aptly used the term "cancer" because it slowly eats away the conscience of the politicians.

Jividha,
Visakhapatnam, A.P

* * *

Sir, — The free and frank talk of Mr. Lyngdoh reflects the true picture of the political scene. All of us are aware of the jungle law that prevails in many parts of India. Leaders, instead of condemning him, should make this an occasion for introspection.

R. Avinash,
Hyderabad

* * *

Sir, — The outrage of political parties at Mr. Lyngdoh's statement is understandable. Truth is bitter.

T. Prabhakara Rao,
Machilipatnam, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — Louis McHenry Howe said "you cannot adopt politics as a profession and remain honest." Now, Mr. Lyngdoh has likened our politicians to a "cancer" afflicting the body politic of the country. Unless we reform our political system and rejuvenate our institutions, the future of our country will be bleak.

V.R. Chandran,
Chennai

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