The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : PM's appeal

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Friday, Apr 16, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

PM's appeal

Sir, — This refers to the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's appeal to the former Union Law Minister, Ram Jethmalani, to reconsider his decision to contest from Lucknow. By saying that he will continue to address the issues that concern Mr. Jethmalani — security of the minorities and freedom of the press — has Mr. Vajpayee conceded that they remain inadequately addressed? Instead of assuring Mr. Jethmalani, Mr. Vajpayee should act. Let him start by sacking Narendra Modi, or at least ask him to step down till the trial is completed in the Best Bakery case.

R. Janakiraman,
Cheyyar, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Vajpayee's assurance lacks credibility in view of the Gujarat carnage and its aftermath. Mr. Modi who protected the perpetrators of the Gujarat pogrom is still roaming free, spitting venom at the Opposition leaders. Also no one is indispensable in politics. And Mr. Vajpayee is no exception.

V. Prasanna Kumar,
Kollam, Kerala

* * *

Sir, — None would have expected an open appeal of this nature from an astute politician and able parliamentarian like Mr. Vajpayee. The staunch Hindu that he is, Mr. Vajpayee should have remembered the teachings of the Gita. Perhaps, Mr. Jethmalani goes more by the Gita when he says that contesting elections is a national duty and that it has nothing to do with sentiment.

K.D. Viswanaathan,
Coimbatore, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Vajpayee has been projected as the future Prime Minister by the National Democratic Alliance. All over the country, the NDA is asking for votes in the name of Mr. Vajpayee. In view of this, his appeal is a shame for the democratic polity.

C. Vijayakumar & R. Rajaram,
Chennai

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