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Parliamentary ethos must be upheld

The editorial “Decline of Parliament: MPs undermining its role in law making” (Dec 2) is timely and thought-provoking. Crores of rupees have been wasted due to the 15-day boycott of Parliament by the Opposition demanding setting up of Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe 2G Spectrum allocation, the Commonwealth Games and the Adarsh Housing Society scams.

Amidst the din the Lok Sabha passed a few appropriation bills and supplementary grants by voice vote. Agreed, that previously also dozens of important Bills and budgetary allocations running in crores have been rushed through within minutes without any screening, debate or discussion. But it is pathetic that in a country with parliamentary democracy, money bills are passed taking advantage of the enbloc absence of the Opposition. Both the Opposition and the government are equally to blame. The adamant attitude of both have marred the valued norms of the Parliament and downgraded the honour of the august lawmaking body.

Today, the floodgates of corruption have been flung open. Many investigating agencies have become a hapless shuttlecock between the executive and the judiciary.

The two most vital ingredients of parliamentary democracy – consensus and accommodation have been found wanting in the political scenario today.

SUDARSHAN DHINGRA, Abohar

II

The editorial rightly highlighted the loss caused to the nation by continuous disruptions in Parliament by unruly MPs. It seems the very people elected to make laws are instrumental in breaking them with impunity. Disclosure of one scam after another with clear-cut collusion of legislators casts a shadow on the honesty and integrity of people at the helm.

Even the Opposition doesn’t present a clean slate as it’s own hands are soiled in Karnataka. The inability of the Prime Minister in correcting his wayward colleagues reflects his helplessness.

With many legislators having criminal cases behind them and turning crorepatis within a span of few years, it seems corruption, nepotism and crime is not going to end in near future. The country watches in horror and often with amusement as parliamentarians engage in slanderous verbal duels. Appointment to the high offices is based on the loyalty to the ruling party. We need to re-examine our system.  

  Dr MADHU GOYAL, Bathinda

Political alternative

With Manpreet Badal at the centre stage of Punjab politics there is a possible emergence of a third alternative political party in Punjab politics. The people of Punjab have been deprived of an alternative to the SAD and the Congress since Independence. Both the SAD and the Congress had been ruling Punjab, almost by rotation, as people had no choice.

With the possible emergence of a third alternative, these two stalwarts will have to rethink about their policies and administration. The credit for enthusing new life in Punjab state politics must go to Manpreet Singh Badal.

Dr SATPAL, Ropar

Number one newspaper

Heartiest congratulations to The Tribune on retaining its number one position in the region. That the Tribune is the most popular newspaper in the region and among the leading papers in the country comes as no surprise to those of us who remain among its avid fans.

The secret of success of The Tribune lies in the fact that it so wonderfully blends the reader’s quest for national and international news with the need to retain its local flavour. The editorial page analyses the news and provides a thought-provoking and well-reasoned dimension to the newspaper. The Tribune success story is also a negation of the common perception that one has to sensationalise news in order to ensure that it sells well. Clearly this has never been resorted to by The Tribune and I hope that this trend will continue. Keep up the good work.

BALJIT S GREWAL, Patiala

North vs South Korea The editorial “Korean crisis deepens” (Nov 26) emphasised the need for the world community to act fast to ensure that this armed conflict between the two Koreas does not cripple the economy of the region. The situation there is extremely tense. Of the erstwhile communist countries, North Korea is the most ‘Stalinist’. It is now edged close to China. It has maintained its unyielding hostilities not only with South Korea, but also “the US imperialism”. North Korea, following the Stalinist approach, has nationalised industry and indulged in collectivisation of agriculture. South Korea has made leaps in industry, textiles, electronics, steel, petrochemicals, ship and motor vehicles. It ranks second in shipbuilding. While the per capita income in North Korea is just $ 1,000, it touches $ 20,400 in South Korea. This is all the more glaring because both Koreas gained independence on August 15, 1945. DEEPAK TANDON, Panchkula