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Exercise in futility
We, the people of India, know that no government would be able to identify assets and properties which have been established through scams, scandals, muddles, bribes and corruption. We also know that no such wealth shall be confiscated to the state exchequer. Therefore, what Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev are doing are futile exercises. Dalip Singh Wasan, Advocate, Patiala
Politics of arm-twisting
I must compliment B. G. Verghese for his brilliant analysis of the current political scenario in the country through his article, “Politics of blackmail” (June15). He is absolutely right when he says that all talks of fasts must end and that the politics of arm-twisting, coercive tactics and competitive humbug must be brought to an end. The changes contemplated are highly laudable, but besides creating further awareness in the minds of the few intellectuals who read such impartial and dispassionate stuff, what other step can be initiated appear to me a tougher part of the game today. Anna Hazare’s team has highly competent as well as seasoned professionals from various streams of civil society; from legal, social, judicial and civil services. But Team Anna still believes that even in independent India, tactics like threats of fast-unto-death are acceptable norms of protest. Barring the long overdue, much-needed and highly laudable calls and definitive acts for combating the menace of corruption and black money, what other messages are being sent to the common public by Anna’s team, especially the impressionable youth of the nation through such organized modes of protest telecast live round the clock by an over-enthusiastic media into each household, including even illiterate slum-dwellers connected with the world. It is also a little baffling that some of the finest brains in this team, who are well aware of the existing process of enactment and change of laws, are unable to refine their strategy to keep their fight against corruption alive and result-oriented. In my opinion, in any independent society, which has granted full freedom to elect or reject its public representatives through a secret ballot, there should be no place for coercive acts of protest like fast-unto-death and even organized rail or road “roko” campaigns, which too put large sections of working population wanting to carry on with their normal work to grave inconvenience and discomfort. Fast-unto-death should be included in the definition of “attempt to suicide” and any government and civil society tolerating the same should be charged with criminal offence of “abetment to attempt to suicide”. Independent democracies around the world should wake up and suitably modify their constitutions, laws and rules to ensure effective implementation of the change suggested. Yes, if such a democracy ever becomes enslaved to another nation or super-power again as a result of the foolish acts of its elected or self-styled leaders, they may be prospectively allowed this freedom of protest against an outside ruler or government! TEJINDER SINGH
BEDI, Faridabad
Murder of newsman
The editorial “Murder in Mumbai: Restore the rule of law” (June 14) rightly points out that the law and order situation in Mumbai has worsened with gory incidents of broad daylight murders of, first, the driver of Dawood Ibrahim’s brother and then of a Mid-Day crime reporter, Jyotirmoy Dey These incidents indicate the return of underground goons on the streets of Mumbai, the financial capital of India. One thing is certain: whosoever dares to act as a whistle-blower is done to death by the ones whose misdeeds are uncovered by the former. There have been many such cases in the recent past where the whistleblowers have been ruthlessly murdered, but none of the culprits have ever been brought to book although the government had promised to bring in a law that would protect them. The murder of a journalist is surely an attack on the freedom of the Press, which needs to be condemned a million times. Journalists, especially crime reporters, work in very risky conditions. They do not bother about their lives and do their duty honestly and fearlessly to unmask corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, notorious killers, underworld dons and unscrupulous businessmen. There is no need for guessing games as to who could be the murderers of the whistleblowers? It is common knowledge that the person whose illegal deeds are exposed is the real culprit. R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh
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Succession syndrome
What Harish Dhillon has written in the piece aptly titled “Succession syndrome” happens in every institution. The worst sufferers are the subordinates who had been loyal to the outgoing CEO. They are often victimised and are labelled “Chamchas” of the old boss. Important portfolios are taken away from them and are given to the ones who have not been so close to the previous boss or are clever enough to criticise the old boss in front of the new one. Interestingly, these new stars soon fall out of grace of the new CEO when they fail to perform their duties efficiently. The incoming CEO must understand that the head of an institution wants work and the “Chamchas” must have been close to the previous CEO because they were good workers and those who are trying to paint them black are jealous because they have not been trusted by the old CEO. He must make it clear in the very first meeting that he won’t listen to anything against any of his employees. He has to observe himself and not depend on hearsay to form an opinion about his co-workers. Ashi, Elk Grove, California
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