De-criminalise politics

I endorse the views expressed in the editorial “Criminals in the fray” (April 6) and the article “Decriminalisation of politics”(April 6) by Virendra Kumar. By disallowing convicted criminals from contesting the Lok Sabha elections, the judiciary has sent the right signal to political parties. Now, it is the responsibility of the political parties to keep criminals out of the political fray.

Criminal elements generate fear and terror to realise their nefarious ends. They misuse political power and act as feudal lords. However, once the criminals are elected they start ruling the roost and people become disenchanted with the democratic set-up.

The media, both print and electronic, should go on exposing the real face of criminals in politics. Right-thinking elements in political parties, the intelligentsia and the NGOs must come forward to accelerate the process of decriminalisation of politics. The judiciary’s message is commendable.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

Unjust stance

The editorial “Un-clean chit” (April 4) clearly highlights how the Congress leadership is soft on the political leaders involved in riots allowing them to contest the Lok Sabha elections and hard on the hapless 1984 riot victims. The Congress continues to prove that in the realm of politics it can do anything to grab power. It is time to get rid of such parties.

AJIT SINGH, Windsor, Canada

Military agitation

The veterans of armed forces (“Agitations by military veterans” by retired Vice-Admiral Premvir Das, April 1) have been peacefully fighting for “one rank, one pension” and other injustices. These demands were presented to various political parties who accepted these as genuine and promised to give justice to the defence personnel.

The implementation of the 6th CPC has humiliated not only the veterans but also those in service. So far, the authorities have only promised to remove some anomalies. Even the ultimate sacrifices of the defence personnel have not been able to rouse the conscience of the authorities.

The returning of medals by the veterans was a peaceful, disciplined and authentic way of protest. However, our authorities react only when the situation goes beyond control and the public property and the people suffer.

The veterans do not get any travel concessions. Rather, their civilian counterparts in the government get better travelling facilities and pension benefits.

ANGAD SINGH, SAS Nagar

II

Recently, the defence forces expressed resentment against the report of the 6th Central Pay Commission. Ultimately, the government agreed to make many concessions and demand for a separate pay commission for the defence forces was also accepted. Very often, the defence personnel proclaim that they are the defenders of Indian borders. But, they forget that this is their primary duty.

However, the demand for “one rank, one pension” is not unjustified. Instead, they should ask for parity in pension up to 2006, as the civilian pensioners are demanding. But they should refrain from returning their medals.

SHER SINGH, Ludhiana

Politics of hatred

It is astounding that a person who has no track record in politics makes an inflammatory speech and becomes a hero overnight. Mr Varun Gandhi began his quest with an inflammatory speech. He has chosen the politics of hatred rather than development and allied issues. It would be a grave omission if he were allowed to get away with such a gross violation of the code of conduct. The unruly scene created by his supporters in Pilibhit was disappointing. However, his detention under the NSA seems to be too harsh.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to Sanjay Dutt to fight elections will go a long way in preventing the entry of criminals in the political system. Those caught on camera distributing money to lure voters need to be dealt with sternly by the EC. Voters by now do not want that Parliament and assemblies become a haunt of criminals.

Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

II

Mr Varun Gandhi has attained publicity in a short span of time. Though, he has hardly done anything to have such a big shot at fame. Also, the media has given him so much undeserved publicity. At first, he made shameful and provocative speeches and then he surrendered in a dramatic way. Now, he has been shifted from Pilibhit to Etawah jail in view of the terrorist threat. All this is a farce, only meant to give him more limelight.

 NEHA PAUL, Patiala