Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Next President

This refers to the editorial "Choosing the next President" (May 29). I am one of those who do not see anything so sacred about the so-called tradition of not giving a second term for the incumbent in office, especially in the context of throwing to the winds many other traditions in respect of our parliamentary democracy. Abdul Kalam is the only President in recent times to be popular with the future citizens. He is a people's President. As for stature, can anyone deny that Mr. Kalam has added immensely to the international prestige of the nation?

K. Vedamurthy,
Chennai

* * *

The President has been reduced to being less than even a figurehead. More and more issues are being taken to the streets instead of being debated in legislatures, and criminal elements have got a foothold in law making and governance.

At the very least, the President and the Governors should be given the power to approve or disapprove a candidate for ministerial office. They should have the mandate to go back to the electorate in the case of candidates whose credentials are suspect. For this, they should be directly elected.

Srinivas Chari,
Downey, California

* * *

We need a President who will conduct business in a dignified manner. A person elected on parochial considerations will forever carry the burden of the narrow-minded process that saw him or her through.

Shalivahan Sharangpani,
Boston, Massachusetts

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