Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Cabinet formation

Your editorial (May 25) has reflected the views of millions of readers and common men. While the bargaining and tantrums indulged in by regional parties in 2004 have been rejected once and for all this time, it is sad that favouritism to family members has made Tamil Nadu the laughing stock across India.

One should certainly praise Rahul Gandhi in the same breath for demonstrating a high level of maturity and readiness to take the Congress to greater heights in the 2014 elections so that there would be no need even for a pre-poll arrangement.

T.V. Suresh,

Coimbatore

As rightly stated in your editorial, there is a difference — 2004 when the Congress needed the DMK more and 2009 when the DMK needs the Congress support to even continue its rule in Tamil Nadu. On top of it, the DMK has made wholly family-oriented demands for berths in the Union Cabinet.

The Prime Minister should take bold decisions and continue with his development agenda by choosing his own team.

K.R.A. Narasiah,

Chennai

Your editorial should serve as an eye-opener to those who aspire to hold public offices without introspecting whether they actually deserve them. Demanding ministership for more than one-third of the members elected looks odd. Is it a return “gift” for the support given during the election? You have rightly observed that it is not a good tendency to treat public office as heritable property.

M. Krishnamurthy,

Bangalore

The first round of ministry formation reflected Dr. Singh’s confidence in going for a balanced exercise to have experienced, competent and loyal men in the Cabinet. Unfortunately, that round did not have young faces though there is no dearth of young talent in the 15th Lok Sabha, particularly in the Congress. Hope the second round will reflect change that is badly needed.

B.H. Shanmukhappa,

Davanagere

Political parties must understand that they have been voted to power only to improve the living conditions of the poor whose support helped them to come to power. Hence, instead of fighting for vital portfolios, they should show interest in fighting against poverty, unemployment, price rice, corruption and other problems. Only this will enable them to come back to power in future elections.

S. Nallasivan

Tirunelveli

S. Natarajan,

Coimbatore

Nineteen Cabinet Ministers have been sworn in, yet there are no indications on who the takers are for Health and Education portfolios. That portfolios such as telecom, shipping and transport and petroleum are sought after is a clear indication that no MP is interested in developing education in his State or worried about improving the health of Indians but is keen only on tender-rich ministries.

V. Kumar

Ganapathipuram

Just because of the unexpected support it has got from various quarters the Congress should not revert to its old ways of authoritarianism and push through its own agenda with the least respect for the voice of dissent.

In a democracy, all eligible citizens can participate in elections and occupy public offices. We cannot, therefore, falter the family members of any political leader if their rise in politics is solely on the strength of their public service and acceptance by voters. At the same time, crowding at the seat of power with family members of any one leader is to be avoided for reasons of propriety and probity. Also, they would certainly save themselves from avoidable allegations of nepotism, favouritism and misuse of power and gain people’s faith in their fair play.

G. Kulandaivelu,

Panruti

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