The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Governor's transfer

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Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Governor's transfer

Sir, — The editorial, "Messing up all round" (Nov. 1), aptly brought out how successive governments have been manipulating the post of Governor. There seems to be no reason in the hire-and-fire policy being followed in Governors' appointments or transfers. Both the employer (the Centre) and the employees (Governors) are equally to blame.

Ushadevi & Bhaskara Rao,
Ruwi, Oman

* * *

Sir, — Like other constitutional functionaries, Governors too should be allowed to function for their full term unless it is proved that they are partisan or incompetent.

J.S. Mani,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Sushilkumar Shinde loses the race for chief ministership in Maharashtra and is appointed Governor of Andhra Pradesh. Ramamohan Rao is removed as Tamil Nadu Governor for failing to discharge his duty (of hosting a tea party) but is offered the same post in a Northeastern State. I fail to understand the rationale in appointing Governors.

N. Sivaraman,
Maraimalainagar, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — I disagree with the view that the Supreme Court should have intervened and stayed the transfer of Mr. Rao (Letters, Nov. 2). The Court was right in saying such issues should be settled "elsewhere." By not intervening in the matter, it has upheld the Constitution.

Comparing this to the Court not granting an injunction against kar sevaks on their way to demolish the Babri mosque is like comparing apples with oranges. The kar sevaks had every right to march. It was the failure of the Uttar Pradesh Government to secure the mosque that led to its demolition.

Sriram Varadharajan,
Pasadena, California

* * *

Sir, — The Court's observation that issues such as Governors' transfers are to be settled elsewhere but they "are being dumped here" is unfortunate. Does it mean that the questions raised by the Tamil Nadu Government, which it considered vital for smooth administration and governance, are of no great consequence?

S. Balu,
Chennai

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Sir, — Mr. Rao's removal is justified in the interest of the State. So many controversial ordinances were promulgated by the State and the Governor gave approval to all of them. In fact, some of them were so controversial — anti-conversion law, and the law banning animal sacrifice — that they were withdrawn after the recent Lok Sabha elections.

S. Rajaraman,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — It is the prerogative of the President to appoint and remove a Governor. It is not mandatory to consult the Chief Minister concerned. The reasons for Governors' removal, whatever they may be, are confidential. It is surprising that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, made public her conversation with the Union Home Minister.

K.S. Srinivasan,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Much is being made of Ms. Jayalalithaa's revelation of the details of her conversation with the Union Home Minister. It is being termed a violation of the oath of secrecy.

But we laypersons are quite used to violations committed by politicians. The one aspect that is violated most pertains to acting in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

T.V. Hariharan,

Chennai

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Sir, — It is unfortunate that Mr. Patil does not know who takes the salute on Independence Day. All the more appalling is the fact that Mr. Rao was removed for not hosting a tea party.

C.P. Venkiteswaran,
Tuticorin, T.N.

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Sir, — Subramanian Swamy hosted a tea party in 1999 and out went the Vajpayee Government. And now Mr. Rao did not host a tea party and lost his job.

K. Srinivasan,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — I assure Mr. Patil that I will host a tea party everyday if he makes me the Governor of any State.

R. Viswanath,
Pondicherry

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