The Hindu : Truth is bitter?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 29, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Truth is bitter?

Sir, — This refers to the Bihar Governor, Rama Jois' remarks about the law and order situation in the State and the subsequent outrage of the RJD leader, Laloo Prasad Yadav. That the Governor has spoken out is praiseworthy. We only hope things improve by next Republic Day.

M. Selvakumar,
Chennai

Sir, — That Mr. Jois was not exaggerating is something I can vouch for. I travelled with my family last year to Varanasi and Gaya by train and got a taste of Bihar. A number of passengers were without tickets and boldly defied us who had reserved tickets. Even dogs and cattle travelled with us in the reserved sleeper coaches! The police and railway officials were silent spectators. At Gaya, the law and order situation was such that we were advised by the local residents not to stay outdoors after 6 p.m.

M.R. Srinivasan,
Chennai

Sir, — The Governor's outburst against the democratically elected Government was unwarranted. It shows that the practice hitherto followed with regard to the selection of Governors by the Centre is wrong. To avoid recurrence of such incidents, either this ornamental post should be abolished or all political parties should agree that only apolitical persons should be appointed Governors.

Krishnan,
Palakkad, Kerala

Sir, — The Governor could have chosen another occasion to air his views. He would have been within his constitutional powers if he had recommended the dismissal of the State Government based on the observations of the Patna High Court a few days ago. The Governor overstepped by criticising the State Government on Republic Day.

V. Padmanabhan,
Bangalore

Sir, — Whatever the provocation, Mr. Jois crossed the limits when he lambasted the State Government in public. He should remember that he is only the constitutional head. He cannot go public criticising his own Government. He has broken all conventions and revealed his political colours.

D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore

Sir, — While there may be differences on the propriety of the occasion Mr. Jois chose to express his disillusionment, everyone will agree that the law and order situation in Bihar is rather grim and pathetic. Mr. Yadav, instead of protesting too loudly, should take corrective action. In any case, what does he propose to do about the High Court's observation that Bihar is fit for President's rule?

S. Rajkumar,
Chennai

Sir, — The Bihar Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, could have responded to the criticism in a positive manner by promising a sincere review of the internal security set-up of the State.

Nisha Philip,
Kollam, Kerala

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