M A I L B A G

Put national interest before self

H K. DUA, in his front-page editorial, “Ethics must count” (June 30), has justly lambasted the petty politics in the presidential election. The prevailing acrimony and trading of accusations are bound to lower the dignity of the high office of President. In the overall national interest, instead of jumping to hasty conclusions, just why couldn’t they agree to elect a consensual candidate, is difficult to fathom.

Abstaining from mutual discussion, a vital tenet of democracy (where everyone concerned should have his/her say) shows utter lack of political maturity and statesmanship. Politics in our country has regrettably come to be seen as, what Dr Johnson once wryly remarked, the last resort of a scoundrel!

Brig GOVIND SINGH KHIMTA (retd), Shimla

II

The political parties should refrain from indulging in controversies in the run up to the presidential elections. The members of the electoral college - consisting of MPs and legislators - should assess the past record of the candidate and caste their valuable votes in a free and fair manner. Not surprisingly, it is a secret ballot.

The voters should specifically examine the individual candidate’s past performance while occupying various positions in public life. Naturally, they must see whether a candidate has misused his/her office for pecuniary gains at any time. Has he/she given economic benefits to his family members?

Ideally, the Congress should have announced Mrs Pratibha Patil’s name only after verifying her antecedents.

SIMMI MOHINDRU, Jalandhar City

III

Mr Dua has rightly pointed out that a noble exercise has been mucked up by the politicians. Only if the parties could rise above politics, India would have had Dr Kalam as President for another five years.

The prospective candidate, Mrs Pratibha Patil, has already demonstrated her low calibre. Dr Kalam’s scientific outlook and exemplary non-partisan performance is there for everyone to see. Even Bhairon Singh Shekhawat’s non-partisan image as Vice President is not so clean. His all-too-frequent visits to Rajasthan during the 2003 Assembly elections raised eyebrows.

Mrs Pratibha Patil cannot be expected to behave impartially. Her loyalty to the Congress is the sole criterion for her choice. Obviously, she cannot be the people’s first choice. Even for the Congress, she was selected by default and not in recognition of her leadership quality. As observed by Mr Dua, none is “coming out with reputation unblemished”.

By refusing to evolve consensus in Dr Kalam’s favour for another term, political parties have allowed mediocres to race for Raisina Hill. This is an insult to the highest office of the land.

Prof R.S. WADHAWAN & CHANCHAL K. SHARMA,Jagadhri

IV

The present blame game has unveiled the politicians’ latent greed for the ceremonial post. Though our President is a titular head, he wields untrammeled powers. He plays a decisive role especially when the Lok Sabha elections throw up a fractured mandate and no party gets a majority.During such crises, the President has to act neutrally. That is why, apolitical persons should contest the presidential elections to maintain perfect political neutrality in the exercise of the functions of President.

Collectively, all the political parties have tarnished the country’s image by indulging in petty politics.

SUKHWINDER SINGH, Ludhiana

V

Presidential elections should never be a party affair. The selection (or election) should not be party, family or gender-oriented but nation-oriented. The President, as the head of the state, represents the country and thus, he should be selected and not elected.

As the President is the nation’s pride, his selection should depend upon various factors like his stature and impeccable credentials. Only integrity, stature, experience, capability and achievements should count.

Even now, it is not too late for all the parties, including the UPA and the NDA to select a consensual candidate for the high office.

B.S. SHRIMAN, Chandigarh