Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Jayalalithaa's views

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's concern (interview, June 28) that bringing the Prime Minister under the Lokpal's purview may lead to frivolous and politically motivated allegations against him; constant media scrutiny tarnishing his image; and may destabilise the government is genuine and valid. Civil society representatives should take this aspect into consideration.

The manner in which Ms. Jayalalithaa has handled the questions points to her maturity and wisdom. Political leaders giving interviews should take a lesson or two from her. While answering the media, leaders should be more focussed on conveying their views, rather than answering mindless questions.

Ibrahim Rasool,

Hyderabad

The reasons Ms Jayalalithaa has advanced for excluding the Prime Minister from the Lokpal's ambit are quite convincing. A Prime Minister can be effective only when he has the freedom to function. As there are other agencies that can deal with an act of corruption by the Prime Minister, the Lokpal — which is meant for identifying and prosecuting the wrongdoers — can exclude him from its purview.

A.J. Rangarajan,

Chennai

On the Congress leaders' claim that their party's relationship with the DMK and the case against A. Raja — former Telecom Minister involved in the 2G spectrum scam — are not related, Ms Jayalalithaa has correctly stated that the nation does not see it that way. This is a gentle but decisive response to the Congress for the shabby manner in which it has handled the spectrum scandal. The party cannot delink itself from the scam just because some key members of its ally are behind bars. As long as it remains in the company of the DMK, it cannot wash its hands of the 2G dirt.

T.S. Pattabhi Raman,

Coimbatore

Ms Jayalalithaa's position that the Prime Minister should not be included in the Lokpal's ambit as he is already covered by the Prevention of Corruption Act, and that some foreign power may use the Lokpal to destabilise the government if he is included, is pertinent. There is no point in adding more laws and creating more institutions. The need of the hour is to implement the existing laws.

Nellai Thirumalairajan,

Chennai

Democracy is based on checks and balances. If the Lokpal is vested with all powers, including prosecuting the Prime Minister, will it not lead to dictatorship? Who will punish the Lokpal and his team if they do wrong?

V.M. Radhakrishnan,

Chennai

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