M A I L B A G

Film stars fine in politics

Apropos of Amar Chandel’s article “Stars steal the shine” (March 10), one need not be touchy about the entry of film stars into politics. In a democracy, there cannot be any qualifications as to who can and cannot contest elections. It is a different matter that the system should be perfected to ensure that the criminal and the corrupt do not hold public office directly or indirectly. Politics in our country has literally become the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Anyone who is sincerely interested in striving for the public good should be encouraged to join the democratic process. If they are willing to take a dip in the dirty pool of politics, it should be welcomed because that is how we can cleanse the pool. Ultimately, people get the rulers they deserve.

K.M. VASHISHT, Delhi

II

The people should differentiate between netas and abhinetas. They should not let the film stars join politics as it is not their cup of tea. Some people cheer up film stars and make them believe that they are like leaders. Political parties going in for film stars to boost their image can be taught a lesson if the candidates are rejected by the people in the elections. We should elect only those who will deliver the goods. Film stars should be reminded of their main duty to entertain people and not become lawmakers.

DEEP KARAN SINGH, Chandigarh

Agenda for parties

Apropos of H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial “People must assert” (March 1), I, as a voter, would expect all the political parties to explore solutions to five major problems afflicting the country — population explosion, corruption, unemployment, land reforms and and an accountable government.

First, population explosion is the mother of all socio-economic ills. Will the political parties strive to evolve a consensus on the issue? Secondly, I would like the political party of my choice to declare boldly that, if elected to power, it would usher in a clean, non-corrupt and transparent government.

Thirdly, there is a phenomenal increase in the number of skilled and educated unemployed youth. Every political party should declare how it intends to generate jobs. Fourthly, land reforms and rural development should be included in the party manifestoes. And finally, we need good governance and an accountable government.

Dr ASHOK KAPAHTIA, Shimla

II

Can honest people think of standing for elections and, if elected, can they have a smooth sailing in the rough and tumble of politics? Where is the guarantee that they will not shift parties or change loyalties or not become equally corrupt or criminal?

In essence, the choice before the voter is often not between the good and the evil but between the lesser evil and the greater evil.

We treat elections as the panacea for all the problems. In the process, issues like human resource development have been ignored.

ATMA RAM, Dharamsala

III

One has to agree with the former Chief Election Commissioner J. M. Lyngdoh that most parliamentarians are cheats. Look at the way they play ducks and drakes with their local area development fund, recently exposed by The Tribune.

The people should vote only after a careful scrutiny of the antecedents of their chosen candidates. They should reject the deadwood, especially those who have done little during their term.

Prof. MOHAN SINGH, Amritsar

Helping ex-servicemen

Unlike other professions, the defence personnel retire at a much younger age. Keeping in view the organisational needs, about 55,000 to 60,000 officers and men retire every year at a very early age. These personnel have been trained at the best institutions of the country.

This well-trained, highly disciplined and economically productive human resource is an asset to the country and can contribute significantly to nation building. The core value system of loyalty, selfless sacrifice, integrity, courage and honour imbued in the armed forces would hold good for any organisation that is result-oriented. The Directorate-General of Resettlement should launch some system for absorption of this force which can play a useful role in nation building.

DASUYA PARTAP SINGH, Kainthan