M A I L B A G

Need to restore Parliament’s image

Somnath Chatterjee’s article “Spirit of the Constitution: No substitute for working in harmony” (Oct 4) is timely. Parliament is the pivot of our Constitution. However, it has become less vigilant and ineffective as criminalisation of politics has vitiated our political system for various reasons — multiplicity of political parties, lack of strong opposition and poor quality of leaders. The political parties have failed to act as an instrument of political mobilisation. Politics has become the exclusive privilege and pastime of a few chosen political leaders. All political parties have been governed by self-seeking and power hungry politicians.

Evils like corruption, parochialism, economic stagnation, bureaucratic lethargy and inefficiency have all corroded the basis of our democracy. The lack of effective opposition and the re-emergence of the Congress as the single dominant political party have hindered the growth of a new political ethos and culture.

It is time we had a new political culture with enlightened representatives to guide the country’s destiny. We must strive to restore Parliament’s image.

HANS RAJ JAIN, Moga

Caste conundrum

In his article, “Repeating Mandal mantra” (Sept 16), B.S. Baviskar rightly raises relevant questions about implementation of the OBC quotas. It is not just artisans and middle rung OBCs who are discriminated against; even dominant castes are dealt with differently.

In Haryana, Yadavas of Rewari are not different from Jats of Rohtak on any count — socially, educationally or economically. Yet, they are declared backward! It is perhaps due to the expediency of state politics that no party is in a position to think of righting the wrong.

RAM VIR, Faridabad

Investors’ status

This refers to the news report, “Golden Forests: SC tells panel to filter bogus claims” (Sept 13). The appointment of the Justice Agrawal Committee had raisen high hopes among the hapless investors. But the manner in which things are moving, we are not sure whether we will get back our hard-earned money during our lifetime.

It will be in the fitness of things if the committee comes out with a status report, for the benefit of the investors, indicating the progress made so far in this regard and the likely timeframe for repayment.

Wg-Cdr C.L. SEHGAL (retd), Jalandhar

Parking in Shimla

During a visit to Shimla recently, I had a bitter experience. I wanted to stay in a hotel with parking facility. The government’s Tourist Information Centre guided us to some hotels. However, all the three parking areas were packed to capacity.

Then, a guide told us that some hotels, in a restricted road, had parking facility. When we started driving uphill from Cart Road, a policeman stopped us and asked for permits for these hotels, being located in restricted area. We were prevented from going there. Ultimately, we could find some parking space in an old police barrier.

On all restricted roads, there should be signboards mentioning hotels having parking facility. Vehicles should be allowed to go there and not prevented by the police. Otherwise, how can the tourists stay in these hotels?

ARJUN CHANANA, New Delhi

Gandhi to Osama

The editorial, “Gandhi to Osama” rightly called upon our people to be united and determined in the war on terrorism. The wicked plan to attack our Parliament was the biggest challenge of terrorists to our nation. But we did not respond to it seriously. That is why, we have blasts in mosques and temples even now.

Our MPs seem to be least bothered about the killing of innocent people. Our brave jawans are sacrificing their precious lives for their motherland. But we are debating on the recitation of Vande Mataram. We must set our own house in order first before we fight terrorism successfully.

Prof P.L. JAIN, Sirsa

Divali gift

In the context of rising prices, one is constrained to ask what would be the best gift for this Divali. The answer: A bag full of ration containing rice, dals and spices.

VINOD JAIDKA, Panchkula