The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Matter of relief

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Monday, Oct 15, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Matter of relief

This refers to the editorial “Political crisis defused” (Oct. 13). Congress president Sonia Gandhi deserves to be praised for ending the standoff between the Left parties and the UPA government on the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too deserves applause for not treating the issue as a matter of prestige. Another point that should be noted is that the Left parties warned the government of serious consequences for the first time in the last three-and-a-half years although they have expressed their differences with the government on several occasions. The government should understand that the situation will not escalate if the CMP is adhered to honestly.

Venuturupally Suryam,

Secunderabad

* * *

The country heaves a sigh of relief as the prospect of an early election recedes, thanks to the prudent and conciliatory stand adopted by Dr. Singh the Ms. Gandhi. Sacrificing the government and with it the nuclear pact forever would have been the most unwise thing to do. Now that the government has some breathing time, it should initiate a debate on the deal so that a consensus can be evolved.

K.V. Ravindran,

Payyanur

* * *

The statements of Dr. Singh and Ms. Gandhi have put to rest speculation on early elections. A minority government running with the support of parties with varied ideologies ought to have taken the Left parties’ opposition to the nuclear deal more seriously. The Congress, sensing the ground realities, has adopted a realistic approach.

S. Balusamy,

Chennai

* * *

Dr. Singh’s readiness to respect the concerns of his allies and supporting parties, despite his disappointment, is commendable. Sure, the climax was disappointing for some parties but it brought a smile on the faces of many.

Joji Puthenpurayil,

Chennai

* * *

The end of the political crisis has come as a great relief to the people of the nation. It will give the UPA government time to complete its economic agenda.

Suhail Sabir,

Aligarh

* * *

Dr. Singh should be congratulated on being flexible and stating that he is not heading a one-issue government. The cartoon (Oct. 13) aptly captures the mood of the BJP which is obviously unable to swallow the sudden turn of events. Its hopes of seeing the UPA government fall have been dashed and its manoeuvres to create conditions for early elections have failed.

R.M. Manoharan,

Chennai

* * *

The BJP’s criticism that the UPA government did a u-turn on the nuclear deal may be valid. But its own record on the issue has been suspect. It unilaterally announced a moratorium on nuclear testing during the NDA rule but has been criticising the deal on the ground that it limits India’s right to conduct a test. Its opposition to the deal has more to do with embarrassing the ruling coalition than with a principled stand. Since it is talking about re-negotiating the same deal if voted to power, one can reasonably assume that the Left parties were justified in opposing it.

J.M. Manchanda,

New Delhi

* * *

The nation owes a great deal to those partners of the UPA who consistently opposed the nuclear deal which is, in more than one way, an affront to our sovereignty. India will not sink if it does not materialise.

George Theckedath,

Kottarakara

* * *

Dr. Singh should be commended for respecting the views of a large section of the polity. It enhances his image as a democrat. Those trying to belittle him for their failed agenda of bringing down his government are best ignored.

Kasim Sait,

Chennai

* * *

I differ with the editorial’s opinion that it was Ms. Gandhi’s sagacious decision that defused the crisis. Surely, she alone could not have taken the important decision on such a vexed and complicated issue. It is the sagacious and determined stand of the Left parties, warning of the dangers and pitfalls of entering into a nuclear deal with the U.S., which needs our appreciation. The impending danger to the government’s stability, and the uncertainty of the outcome of a mid-term poll also had an effect on the government’s thinking.

V. Hari Haran,

Chennai

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