M A I L B A G

Alert public can check corruption

All the expelled MPs should now apologise to the people for their shoddy conduct. This naked shame can prove a blessing in disguise if the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and even the media are rendered clean voluntarily. The warning ‘Doctor heal thyself’ must be taken by all those elected to represent the people — from panchayats to Parliament.

Clearly, people should not tolerate the corrupt class which thrives on their apathy, indifference and helplessness. Only an alert and vigilant public opinion can keep the polity, economy and governance clean, transparent and vibrant.

Prof HARI SINGH, Kheri Jat (Jhajjar)

II

The so-called guardians of democracy are a slur on the face of our country and had to be unmasked through the sting operations. This ought to have been done by the anti-corruption wings of the government. Since these agencies are toothless and spineless to tackle shoddy politicians, someone had to rise to the occasion to set things right.

SHYAM SUNDER AIRI, Kapurthala

III

All right thinking people have been anguished to see their elected representatives’ involvement in the two sting operations. The editorial “Even expulsion is insufficient” (Dec 24) is in the right direction. This kind of corruption is not only a crime but also a sin.

In a democracy, MPs are rulers and can be termed as kings. If rulers themselves indulge in corruption, how can they stop the ruled from entering into the maze of corruption? According to an ancient proverb, Yatha raja, tatha praja (The subject is what the ruler is). So the expulsion of MPs is justified.

ANTAR SINGH KOHLI, Chandigarh

IV

The expulsion of 11 MPs was indeed a swift operation, much like a summary court martial in the Army. Some rules had to be given a go by in the interest of speedy disposal of the case.

The judiciary has something to learn from Parliament’s ‘fast track court’. If the matter reached the courts, would they have acted so promptly? Pardon me for being blunt, but I must call a spade a spade. The judiciary will have to pull up its socks.

Wg-Cdr C.L. SEHGAL (retd), Jalandhar

V

Criminal proceedings should be launched against all the MPS involved in the two sting operations. There may be many more MPs in this unholy business and yet not caught and beyond the reach of the hidden cameras.

I doubt whether the MPs’ Local area Development Scheme will ever be scrapped. This scheme must end, though the MPs may love to retain this hen that lays golden eggs.

Till then, in every Parliament constituency, a committee comprising known persons of unimpeachable integrity and honesty with an impeccable track record should monitor the effective utilisation of the fund under the MPLADS. After all, it is the taxpayers’ money which must be utilised properly and judiciously.

GURDERSHAN SINGH, Chandigarh

VI

For those expressing disgust at the behaviour of these MPs, I ask just one question. Millions of rupees are spent on getting them elected. The common public do not financially contribute to political parties’ election funds. Those who spend in cash, in a market economy, have a right to expect returns on their investment.

It is time we realised the fact that democracy cannot function without corruption. This is applicable to all democracies including the US. A common man in India will not bother to look after his old parents but expects a rich man to spend his hard-earned cash to get elected to serve him. Indians should wake up.

SURESH KUMAR, London (UK)

VII

The sting operations lay bare the underbelly of a sick society. Sting operations are justified and a right method to expose the corrupt and dishonest people who are really dangerous for society. Without sting operations, it is some times hard to believe what is said.

However, in our country, instead of rewarding and honouring the sting operator and their conduits, the whole corrupt establishment gangs up against the sting operator (as the Centre did against Tehelka). The sting operations are justified and the best method to expose the misdeeds with evidence. Can anyone suggest a better method to expose corruption or misdeeds of those in public life?

Dr VITULL K. GUPTA, Bathinda