An avoidable ritual

THE Governor inaugurating the budget session of the Vidhan Sabha with an address is a formality, a British legacy. More often than not the address by the Governor is greeted with rowdy scenes and walkouts by opposition parties, and members can be seen yawning and some half asleep.

To cap it all, the Governor is made to read the address, whether or not he agrees with its contents. The people at large are anguished at these happenings.

Is it not disrespect to the Head of State and the Constitution? Can’t this practice be done away with? But if it is mandatory, it can be accomplished gracefully.

The Governor may declare the session open, preceded by the national anthem (as is done in the case of the opening of national games). The address, if unavoidable, should be placed on the table of the House and taken as read.

Let us avoid belittling of the democratic institution of the Governor.

J.K. MAGO
Panchkula

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Politics in Haryana

The factors behind the sorry state of the polity in Haryana have been rightly commented upon in the overall socio-cultural and historical background in his detailed article by Mr D.R. Chaudhary (“Aberrations in polity — depressing scenario in Haryana”, The Tribune, April 26). Swift change and rechange of his stand by one Haryana leader during the recent dramatic events in New Delhi was undoubtedly in conformity with the kind of politics prevailing in this relatively better developed state since its inception.

One unfortunate aspect of this whole scenario is that a handful of self-seeking leaders often go scot-free as they continue to monopolise the political scene thanks to the low-level of democratic awareness among the people. In a caste-divided society people still look towards individual leaders instead of policies of various political parties for the fulfilment of their aspirations. Power brokers continue to dominate the scene. The stranglehold of these power brokers has to be weakened by launching long-term social reform movements.

Apart from Haryana, in the entire Hindi region, the use of religion and caste as a political mobilisation strategy by major political parties has also been noticed during the last one and a half decade. This challenge must be countered by all progressive and patriotic forces.

INDER JIT SINGH
Rohtak

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Congress’s interests

In the lead story in The Tribune (April 26), Congress President Sonia Gandhi was quoted as saying that while many parties had been sincere in their support to the Congress, which was trying to form a government at the Centre, “others have put personal interests before the country’s interests”. Her obvious reference was to the Samajwadi Party.

Mrs Sonia Gandhi’s grouse may be genuine. But what about her own party? I don’t think it was putting the country’s interests before its personal interests when it refused to be either a part of a coalition with the Third Front constituents or to support an alternative government of that front.

Or, is it that in her view, the country’s interests are served only if a Congress government is installed at the Centre.

SURENDRA MIGLANI
Kaithal

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It’s her duty

To see the name of a high-ranking government official splashed across the major dailies is not a usual thing. However, in the case of Ms Kiran Bedi, the police chief of Chandigarh, the recognition that has come her way has been truly earned.

As I read another news-item about yet another step she had taken to improve law and order in the city, I felt the wide Press coverage accorded to her was in recognition of her sincere and tireless efforts. However, it is a sad reflection on our times when we cannot help waxing lyrical about someone who is, as she would be the first to admit, simply doing her duty.

B. JOLLY
Chandigarh