The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Lalu episode

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Friday, Dec 24, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Lalu episode

Sir, — I am not holding a brief for the Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad, who distributed money to voters. However, the BJP had no business disrupting Parliament's functioning over the issue. Has the party forgotten that over 20 persons were killed in the stampede during the distribution of sarees at a function to celebrate the birthday of its leader, Lalji Tandon? Why did the Election Commission not derecognise the BJP then?

Prabodh P.G.,
Thiruvanathapuram

Sir, — In the editorial, `Vote on account' (Dec. 21), why did you say it was not necessary for Mr. Lalu Prasad to be involved in electoral malpractices when he enjoys a massive support base in Bihar. Is it difficult to understand how the RJD chief is maintaining this support base?

P.R. Thiruvengadam,
Coimbatore, T.N.

Sir, — The editorial has somewhat underplayed the tactics that allowed Mr. Lalu Prasad's regime to take root and flourish in Bihar. Democracy is a farce in Bihar, where voting is seldom free from rigging. What the State needs is a change in leadership.

Alok Srivastava,
New Delhi

Sir, — Thanks to the Election Commission's diktat, Mr. Lalu Prasad has called off an RJD rally. With a vigilant press and institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Election Commission flexing their muscles, we can hope to get rid of the various ills in our society.

V.K. Sharma,
Hyderabad

Sir, — This refers to P.U. Krishnan's letter (Dec. 23). We have begun to justify even illegal activities. Democracy and the right to speak seem to have different connotations in our country, unfortunately.

S.Y. Ramakrishnan,
Bangalore

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