M A I L B A G

Political will must to weed out criminals

H K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “Co-opting the crooks” (May 11), rightly rues the inadequacy of the existing political system to cope with the entry of the criminals into Parliament and state legislatures. Is there a ray of hope? Yes, of course, a multi-pronged approach is required to stem the rot in the system.

First, a strong political will is needed to weed out the criminals. In the larger interest of our democracy, all the political parties should rise above political expediency of patronising criminals. The parties that prop up such elements must realise that such “worthies” ultimately prove to be a liability.

Secondly, candidates with impeccable credentials should alone be fielded in the elections. Thirdly, the Election Commission must be empowered to reject the nomination papers of those against whom criminal charges have been framed.

And finally, mass awakening on this burning issue can reverse the disturbing trend. Voters should come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise to reject the criminals.

AMRIT SACHDEVA, Kaithal

II

In your bold editorial, you have rightly pictured the sad state of the country’s political affairs. Your sincere anguish that while “the State is being wrecked from within and the danger the nation of a billion-plus people and the political system are facing from crooks of the land no one, in the government, or in the opposition, seems bothered about”, is worth pondering.

Apparently, the time has come to begin a new war of independence against these political goons.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

III

The editorial severely indicts persons who have built their careers in crime and subsequently become lawmakers like RJD’s Siwan MP Shahabuddin. His conviction might have required guts by the concerned judge - a correct observation.

Surely, The Tribune has a strong national outlook and a social perspective as evidenced by another editorial “SDM or kickboxer” taking the cause of a 13-year old poor boy kicked by the local SDM for a petty cause.

SUBASH BARU, Kaluchak, Jammu

IV

The editorial elucidates how criminals, as people’s representatives and ministers, are playing havoc with the system. It is painful to see the present system’s failure to keep murderers and rapists out of the power structure.

Our leaders are supposed to bestow respect to the nation. What kind of a country is this where criminals are having a field day by occupying the coveted posts of MP, MLA and ministers?

Prof B.M. RAWLEEY, Nabha

V

The editorial shows that the malaise in our polity is deep-rooted. Earlier, it was said that politicians are hand in glove with the criminals. But now the criminals are wise enough. They have become politicians and even lawmakers. Who will save this country devoid of moral and ethical norms and values? I salute the courage and character demonstrated by the Special Sessions Judge, Siwan.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav’s implicit support to his controversial party MP Shahabuddin speaks volumes about the character of our top leaders. Incidentally, Mr Lalu Prasad dreams to be the Prime Minister of India. The press, pressure groups and right-thinking citizens have a crucial role in the present circumstances to stem the rot and restore order.

SUBASH CHANDER SHARMA, Panchkula

Policy of minority baiting

I have read the article of Mr Kuldip Nayar, entitled “Modi’s Gujarat is a blot on India, but Cong won’t move against him” (May 12), with great care and thought. However, our party Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and I do not agree with his proposal, though well-meaning that the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre should impose President’s rule in Gujarat by using the draconian, anti-federal provision of Article 356 of the Constitution.

SIMRANJIT SINGH MANN, President, Shiromani Akali Dal  (Amritsar), Fatehgarh Sahib