Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Madurai byelection

This refers to the editorial ‘Impressive win’ (June 30). As you have rightly pointed out, the Chief Election Commissioner’s threats to postpone the byelection to the Madurai West Assembly constituency were uncalled for. There was nothing in the law and order situation to warrant such a step. The Commission should not allow itself to be swayed by unfounded reports and must act independently. However, the Commission deserves praise for ensuring a free and fair poll.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli

* * *

The victory of the Congress candidate highlights the growing popularity of the DMK-led alliance. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s good governance has increased the people’s faith in his administration resulting in the capture of the seat from the AIADMK.

The large turnout of voters shows that the people want to exercise their franchise even in a fear-charged atmosphere.

S. Janakiraman,
Coimbatore

* * *

I fully endorse your views. The Election Commission can claim the credit for conducting a peaceful election that resulted in a very high voter turnout. But it appears that in the process it has overstepped its limits — ordering the transfer of the Collector, the Commissioner of Police, and the Returning Officer, making fresh appointments, deploying a large number of paramilitary forces, and so on.

A. Jainulabdeen,
Chennai

The threats issued by the Commission were unnecessary. Any constitutional authority with almost limitless powers should be made accountable in a functioning democracy.

Rameeza A. Rasheed,

Chennai

The Madurai byelection was peaceful only because of the precautionary measures taken by the Election Commission. The recent Uttar Pradesh elections too were peaceful thanks to the Commission’s efforts. Hence your criticism of the Commission seems to be unwarranted.

S. Venugopalan,
Chennai

* * *

You appear to be unduly critical of the Commission, attributing to it “a paranoid style” of functioning. The Commission is much like an invigilator at an examination whose sole responsibility is to conduct it fairly. That the byelection witnessed a very high turnout is ample testimony to a job well done.

R. Narayanan,
Ghaziabad

* * *

Going by the present trends, the day is not far off when actor Vijayakanth’s DMDK will push the AIADMK to the third place in Tamil Nadu. Party chief Jayalalithaa should change her approach and move with party cadres and senior members more often and strengthen the party at the grass roots. She should also realise that this is the age of coalition politics and a strong alliance is a must.

K.S. Rangachary,
Chennai

* * *

Several times in the past, the results of byelections have proved to be misleading. The massive triumph of the DMK-backed Congress candidate in the byelection to the Madurai West Assembly seat is no surprise considering the history of byelections in the State and the way they have been handled by the ruling dispensation. For the record, the ruling combine has wrested a seat held by the AIADMK previously, but the reasons behind it cannot glorify the victory of the Congress candidate beyond a point.

T.S. Pattabhi Raman,
Coimbatore

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