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A shame

It is more shameful than bizarre that in the 21st century `caste' Hindus dare to subvert the Constitution by ensuring that a Dalit does not complete his or her term as president in four reserved village panchayats of Tamil Nadu. We not only take pride in being the largest democracy of the world but also in the fact that we have succeeded where many of our neighbours have failed. While a system is bound to be afflicted by aberrations, such blatant subversion that strikes at the roots of our democracy is unacceptable.

Lilly Dale,
Adoor, Kerala

While the Government's decision not to de-reserve the panchayats is heartening, one wonders whether it will achieve the desired objective. We can only hope the Government will remain firm in its decision till a Dalit president serves a full term of office in all the four panchayats.

R. Rajagopalan,
Chennai

The landlords of the four villages have to necessarily depend on Dalits for labour. Dalits, in turn, are dependent on them for a living. In the normal course, therefore, they seem to coexist harmoniously. But at the time of elections to the local bodies, the intolerance of the `caste' Hindus is exposed. They refuse to allow a Dalit to become their representative. Dalits also do not protest because they want to protect their livelihood. Conducting an election to the panchayats and ensuring that a Dalit completes his term will be a challenge to the Government.

K. Karunagar,
Chennai

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