The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Kanchi Mutt case

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 24, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Kanchi Mutt case

Sir, — The statement by the DMK leader, M. Karunanidhi, that there are "personal and political" motives to the arrest of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi has created a twist in the arrest drama.

First, he threatens to call for an agitation on the issue, then he congratulates the police and, in the end, does a volte face. It is clear that the issue is being used by political parties to settle scores.

K.L. Brunda,
Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — The DMK leader initially described the arrest as an honest action by the police. Why is he now finding fault with the Jayalalithaa Government? It appears that political expediency has made him change his stand.

V.S. Jayaraman,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — While there is no disagreement that the law should take its course, in this case, more of political questions, and not legal, seem to be involved.

A. Venkataraman,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Karunanidhi's question why it took the Tamil Nadu Government two months to act is pertinent. But what is the reason for his delay in asking the question?

P. Prashanth Kumar,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Karunanidhi claims that he has changed his stance on the basis of some information that has surfaced now. As a responsible citizen, he should share it with the police. Only then the dictum that all are equal before the law will prevail.

R. Radha Krishnan,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The participation of the former President, R. Venkataraman, in the BJP's `dharna' protesting the Acharya's arrest was unwarranted. It was unbecoming of one who was the first citizen of a secular nation to express solidarity with the BJP on an issue that is in court. He is still enjoying the benefits due to him as a former President and the people expect him to be non-partisan. Whether the Tamil Nadu Government acted in a brazen manner and the arrest is justifiable or not are not reasons for persons like Mr. Venkataraman to take to the streets.

V. Pandy,
Tuticorin, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Venkataraman held the highest office in the country. His decision to join the sit-in is surprising. The nation expects a retired President to maintain a high standard of non-partisanship, more so when his expenses are met by the exchequer. If Mr. Venkataraman has decided to side with a party whose disregard for secular principles and practices is well known, many will find it difficult to support his stand.

Niranjan Alva,
New Delhi

* * *

Sir, — It was unfortunate to see our political leaders rushing to stage `dharnas.' While they claim they are committed to the principle of equality before law, they seem to consider some more equal than others! If a common man goes through the established legal procedure, will they stage `dharnas?' They seem to be sending the message — take the law into your hands.

Sugeeta Roy Choudhury,
Pune

* * *

Sir, — By protesting vociferously against the arrest, despite the allegation of the Seer's involvement in a serious crime, the BJP is putting its renewed Hindutva ideology to the litmus test.

R. Ramarathinam,
Pondicherry

* * *

Sir, — It is to be noted that people at large are not at all agitated over the arrest and incarceration of the Seer, in spite of the brouhaha orchestrated by the BJP and other organisations, as is evidenced from the lukewarm response to the national bandh called by them. At the same time, politicians are all eager to fish in troubled waters.

N.K. Vijayan,
Kizhakkambalam, Kerala

* * *

Sir, — There is no question of soft handling the case. It is unwise for the Hindutva forces to pressure the judicial process by political agitations.

Dhirendra Sharma,
Dehra Dun

* * *

Sir, — I agree with the observation in the editorial "Fanaticising the issues" (Nov. 22) that if the evidence does not stand in court, there will be a big political price to pay. If that were to happen, the investigation should be handed over to the CBI.

Arcot Easwaran,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Adi Sankara established the Sankara Mutts to propagate the need for a life devoid of distinctions and divisions. His philosophy `Advaita' means leading a life in harmony with all forms of life in the Universe. Whether the Mutts serve their purpose is not for outsiders to judge; it is for all those associated with the Mutts to introspect. J. Krishnamurti set an example by disowning organisations, disciples and successors — to preserve the pristine purity of his teachings from being corrupted by human weaknesses.

Natarajan Kanagasabai,
Pune

* * *

Sir, — An English judge who once convicted Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle observed that there would not be a more happy man than himself if his judgment was reversed by the appellate court. In independent India, the Public Prosecutor calls Sri Jayendra Saraswathi an "undeserving criminal" even before he is convicted. What a contrast!

P.S.R.K. Timmaji Rao,
Kakinada, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — A cross section of the people conveniently forget the secular activities of the Acharya.

For the first time in the history of the Sankara Mutt, he attempted to come out of the caste system. He tried to bridge the gap between the various Hindu communities.

A. Pandurangan,
Pondicherry

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

ANOTHER PROMISE TO KEEP

OF DISCRETION AND ALLOTMENTS

"Fast-breeder reactors more important for India"