Election Commission leanings

Refer to ‘Court rap for Election Commission’; the questionable acts and pliability towards the ruling party by the EC is having an adverse bearing on the integrity of the institution. All premier institutions such as the ED, CBI and EC doing the government’s bidding does not augur well for democracy. The court reprimanding the EC for revoking star campaigner status to veteran political leader Kamal Nath may have no bearing on the outcome of the elections, but it speaks volumes about the selective and biased approach of the institution.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Partisan Election Commission

Reference to ‘Court rap for EC’; the apex court has observed the partisan attitude of the EC while giving its decision on BJP’s complaint against the Congress leader, the former CM of MP. The Election Commissioner and several other heads of various commissions are appointed by the President on the advice of the PM. As such, the PM is the boss and the EC will do his bidding. Strobe Talbott, Deputy Secretary of State in the Clinton regime, had observed that the PM of India has vast powers (though not constitutionally) and he can get any decision in his favour through any commission of enquiry or the tax department. Such a trend is going on in almost all countries. In these circumstances, how can we expect the Election Commission of India to be impartial?

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

Hope in youth

‘Youth on political landscape’ is a good sign for our democracy, but the vast knowledge of our country’s culture, religions, castes, languages and political manoeuvrings is a must to succeed in politics. Nothing is permanent in politics. Friends turn foes and vice versa. Just grabbing power won’t do much as in this we are liable to lose our ethics. Political discourse is tough. Education is the best tool to fight fanaticism. Make your conscience uplift you to such a height from where the dream of Ram Rajya will become a reality. India needs the youth which will lead it to true ‘tryst with destiny’.

Jasvinder S Humsafar, Maloudh

Kabul University attack

In reference to ‘Kabul varsity attack: 20 feared dead’, at a time when the US is negotiating a withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban, the Kabul University attack aggravates the matter. At the time of the attack, a book exhibition was going on in the presence of the Iranian ambassador, who was saved. The Taliban seemed to be behind this act, with an aim to assert its position. But the terror outfit has denied responsibility. What will happen when the US withdraws from Afghanistan?

Bhumika Dodiya, Ujjain

Punjab belongs to all

The middle ‘Pagri, Jatt & Punjab’ seems to take the Jatt community as synonymous with Punjab. Pagri, in itself, isn’t worn only by Sikhs, let alone Jatts. It is an essential part of the culture of Punjabis. Also, Jatts alone do not form the farming community. Agricultural farming is a profession of the people of Punjab. It is our responsibility to acknowledge the contribution of all communities, religions and castes in its growth and development.

Sumeet Gill, Chandigarh

Checking pollution

The Centre has shown its seriousness to combat pollution in Delhi-NCR. Earlier the Centre had committed to the SC about establishing a statutory body to oversee efforts to check pollution. Though state governments have tried to counter this dip in air quality, success has not been achieved. The main contributors are the burning of stubble, dust and the density of vehicular traffic. Investing in better public transport infrastructure and giving farmers an economic incentive to stop burning stubble will provide more durable solutions. The 18-member commission to monitor air quality needs to devise ways to address the underlying economic causes. NCR’s poor air quality needs more economic solutions rather than regulatory diktats. The commission will have to keep in mind that since five states are ruled by different political parties, politics will have a say in the outcome. A coordinated approach has to be adopted.

LAL SINGH, AMRITSAR

Maintain recovery rate

Apropos of ‘India tops global recoveries; active cases fall from 21% to 7% in 2 mths’, it is a triumph of India over other countries to tackle the outbreak with such efficiency. Although we’ve come to grips with this difficulty, still people shouldn’t take it leniently, especially during the festive season. The festivities should be commemorated with utmost precautions with the intent of preventing a second wave of the virus.

Agam Garg, Jalandhar

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