M A I L B A G

Parliament has acted decisively and swiftly by expelling 11 errant MPs. But the punishment should have been expulsion with disqualification. Even now they should be tried as ordinary citizens for the offence of accepting bribe.

Sadly, all such practices were in the knowledge of the common man, but the powers that be were so callous that no effort was ever made to contain this deterioration. This had to be exposed through sting operations.

Corruption in our system has increased due to more and more exposes and less and less action. This makes the common man believe that it is a less risk and high profit venture to indulge in corrupt practices. The tainted MPs deserve a social boycott.

S. C. CHABBA, Ropar

I wonder whether the sting operations are not an attempt to divert public attention from the Volcker report and the Mitrokhin documents. No television channel or journalist has asked a simple question from Congress President Sonia Gandhi about the contents of the letter that she wrote for Saddam and sent it through Mr K. Natwar Singh to have it delivered to him in Iraq.

If Mr Natwar Singh did not visit Iraq with his son and his friend to raise money for the Congress party, then why did he go there? To discuss about the weather condition in the two countries?

VIJAY KUMAR SINGHAL, Panchkula

This has reference to the cash-for-query scam that has rocked the nation. When this matter was raised in Parliament for discussion, the members cutting across the party lines tried their best to save the guilty by saying that the journalists associated with the sting operations should also be brought to book.

This is highly condemnable. On the contrary, these journalists must be appreciated for their brave effort and must not be defamed. We must remember "As you sow, so you reap".

ANUJ VERMA, Gurgaon

Parliament has rightly expelled 11 MPs. Had the parliamentary committee headed by Mr P.K. Bansal, MP, referred the matter to the Privileges Committee, as demanded by the BJP, action against these MPs would have been delayed.

However, to maintain the dignity of the House, all the expelled MPs should be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act as prima facie sufficient evidence is available. The involvement of these MPs is a slur on our polity. Since the same Bansal Committee has been assigned to investigate the case of tainted MPs who have allegedly taken kickbacks for clearing projects under the MPs’ Local Area Development Scheme, they must be expelled to refurbish Parliament’s lost glory.

S.K. KHOSLA, Chandigarh

The Tribune’s front-page news "MPs expelled from Parliament" (Dec 24) reminds me of Charles H. Spurgeon’s words: "Morality may keep you out of jail, but it takes the blood of Jesus Christ to keep you out of hell".

OMAR LUTHER KING, Delhi

The sting operations remind me of an anecdote, which, in a lighter vein, describes how the percentage of corruption in high places varies from one country to another. Minister D of a developing country goes on a study tour to an advanced country and is lodged with Minister A, his counterpart there. Fascinated by the host’s mansion and expensive lifestyle, he inquired about the source of his resources. The host takes him to the window of his room and says, "See that flyover?" "Yes", replies the guest. "10 per cent ", explains the host.

A year later, Minister A visits Minister D’s country and stays with him. He is amazed to see him living in a grand palace and rolling in wealth. Upon being asked about the secret of his resources, the host takes him to the window and asked. "See that flyover?" "I see nothing", says the visitor. "Cent per cent", he explains.

O.P. SHARMA, Faridabad