Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Widen the debate

It is not correct to contemplate the introduction of a new law, or a change in the existing law, on office of profit in a hurry, just to get out of the present imbroglio. That would amount to ignoring the very purpose of the provision in the Constitution for disqualification of MPs. Confining the discussion to both the houses where there is every possibility of a consensus emerging, given that all the parties stand to gain in the circumstances, is not enough.

Konduri Surya Narayana Rao,
Rajahmundry, A.P.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi deserves all praise for concluding his discussions with leaders across the spectrum with lightening speed. He has even decided on the future course of legislation. How alert and smart our parliamentarians can be when it comes to protecting their interests! It is almost certain that they will do anything to push through a bill that will confer on them the right to hold not two but multiple posts to serve the people.

T.R. Venkataraman,
Palakkad, Kerala

The pace at which things are moving clearly reveals the mindset of our politicians — come what may, grab all the opportunities and posts irrespective of people's opinion on the issue.

D. Manikyala Rao,
Gudivada, A.P.

How heartening to find all major political parties agreeing that a law should be enacted to redefine office of profit. They have displayed such alacrity only once earlier in recent times — when their salaries and perks were hiked.

R.K. Menon,
Tripunithura, Kerala

After the latest round of sound and fury over the issue, all the parties are joining hands to prevent the Election Commission from taking a decision on the future of more than 40 MPs. They seek to arrogate to themselves the power to decide who among them will stay. It is akin to an accused sitting in judgment over his or her case.

Dantu Surya Rao,
Kakinada, A.P.

As usual, politicians have closed ranks to protect their interests. At times I feel it is the people who are the odd ones out in this country of great politicians.

B. Krishnan,
Ghaziabad, U.P.

For the people, the law is a shield. But for legislators it seems to be a sword. Our MPs and MLAs think nothing of manipulating it for their benefit.

K. Pradeep,
Chennai

Any law on office of profit should be given retrospective effect. It will avoid resignations and disqualifications, and by-elections to Parliament and State Legislatures all over the country.

R.T. Narayanan,
Chennai

The resignation of Sonia Gandhi or any other MP over the office of profit issue is nothing to exult over. In fact, they need to apologise to the nation. It is hoped Parliament will not enact a law for political expediency.

Vinod K. Bansal,
Maywood, Illinois

Ms. Gandhi's decision to resign as MP and NAC chairperson needs to be appreciated. But her decision to contest again is uncalled for. Because then the obvious question that comes to mind is why did she resign in the first place? MPs who resign without completing their term should be barred from contesting elections for five years.

Sunil Abraham Thomas,
Kottayam, Kerala

All political parties benefit either from taxpayers' money or from lobbies/groups that use their MPs to further their agenda. They are one when it comes to protecting their rights and privileges. The impending legislation to redefine office of profit is tantamount to mocking the gullible citizens.

K.P.G Menon,
Ottapalam, Kerala

Can an MP, who is disqualified for holding an office of profit, contest the election again during the pendency of the legislature's term? Will it not make the disqualification a mockery? And what about MPs who have resigned to avoid the possibility of facing disqualification and openly declared their intent to re-contest elections from the constituency vacated by them?

Surely, resigning and re-contesting are not to be taken so lightly? These politicians are playing a crude joke on honest taxpayers.

N.B. Subramanian,
Chennai

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