Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Somnath’s expulsion

This refers to the expulsion of Speaker Somnath Chatterjee by the CPI (M) from its membership. Mr. Chatterjee should have resigned as Speaker on the eve of the crucial debate on the trust vote in the Lok Sabha on Monday and Tuesday. Instead, he chose to stay on forcing his party to expel him. It is indeed an inglorious episode in the parliamentarian’s career spanning almost six decades.

P.H. Damodaran,

Hyderabad

As Speaker, Mr. Chatterjee was expected to play an impartial role which he did abundantly but once the CPI (M) withdrew support to the UPA government, he should have demitted office on his own. That he was expected to discharge his duty impartially did not mean that in all situations he was independent of the party. The party which is known for its discipline and is no respecter of persons has rightly expelled him.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai

Mr. Chatterjee was elected MP only on his party ticket. Whether the decision of the Left parties to withdraw support to the UPA government was acceptable to him or not, the CPI (M) member should have obeyed his party.

S. Sampath,

Madurai

I think Parliament should consider making it a convention for Speakers to resign from their political parties before assuming office.

Suganthi Thangaia,

Chennai

Mr. Chatterjee’s expulsion from the CPI (M) bears testimony to the party’s adherence to the best practices. It has proved once again that nobody, however big, is above the party. The move should serve as an eye-opener to many who want to detract from the party line for their own reasons. If he really believed that he was above party politics, Mr. Chatterjee should have resigned the membership of the CPI (M) once he was elected Speaker. The trust vote in Parliament proved another point — an MP can defy his party whip and vote for anyone and his vote will be taken into account, whatever the aftermath.

M.S.R.A. Srihari,

Khammam

From the day of being elected Speaker, an MP virtually ceases to be a member of a political party. The CPI (M) is not justified in expelling a senior member thus. Mr. Chatterjee, who holds a constitutional position, listened to his conscience and decided not to demit office during an important session of Parliament.

Marrapu Naveen,

Hyderabad

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is independent and need not be bound by the resolution of a party. The expulsion of a 10-time MP and Speaker is disrespect for the House that represents 100 crore people.

A.S. Amjath Ibrahim,

Madurai

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