M A I L B A G

Governors are no longer impartial

THE Governors have been operating much like some umpires who declare lbw against opposite teams to win cricket matches on the home turf. The concept of neutral umpiring possibly emerged thereafter. Desperation for power only makes it a distant dream.

I am afraid, the tit for tat approach pursued by successive governments at the Centre will not lead us anywhere. For sure, the Congress’ boycott of Mr George Fernandes in Parliament earlier is being matched by the BJP today in respect of the tainted ones. In a democracy, one has to wait only for five years for one’s turn. Therefore, it is always better to put some value system in place.

It would be better to scrap the Governor’s post altogether. If it is not possible, only apolitical persons, preferably retired judges or top Defence Services officers, should occupy the Raj Bhavans. This will ensure that the dignity of the post is not lowered.

Air-Cmde RAGHUBIR SINGH (retd), Pune

II

Governors will continue to abuse their powers as long as the Centre appoints politicians to Raj Bhavans. The Sarkaria Commission had recommended that only eminent persons should be appointed as Governors and those having connections with political parties in the recent past should not be appointed at all.

The UPA government has flagrantly violated this recommendation by appointing active Congressmen as Governors. Some of them are, namely, Syed Sibtey Razi (Jharkhand), S.C. Jamir (Goa), Buta Singh (Bihar), R.L. Bhatia (Kerala), Balram Jakhar (Madhya Pradesh), Sushil Kumar Shindhe (Andhra Pradesh), and S.M. Krishna (Maharashtra).

NARINDER SINGH, Chandigarh

III

It is shocking that politicians are striving to achieve their goals by foul means. By appointing legislators rejected at the hustings as Governors and their naked role to oblige their appointees, they have demeaned their constitutional offices. Such actions reflect on their political fathers. At least, the Governors should cease playing soap operas.

With political parties being swarmed by dynastic heirs, they have been transformed into professional organisations. There is now hardly a difference between the 600 and odd princes of yesterdays and today’s new feudal lords.

The countrymen should stop the erosion of value-based politics. Politicians in turn should play fair games in politics by focusing on future generations, instead of next elections.

V.I.K. SHARMA, IAS (retd), Jalandhar

IV

The installation of the Shibu Soren government in Jharkhand is undemocratic and autocratic. This high-handedness of the Governor has not only belittled the dignity of the exalted office but also brought ignominy to Syed Sibtey Razi who took the oath of Governor to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

Moreover, the very appointment of Mr Soren as Chief Minister, against whom criminal cases are pending, will certainly influence the prosecution.

The long time given to Mr Shibu Soren for seeking vote of confidence on the floor of the Assembly (subsequently reduced following the President’s intervention) may lead to horse trading amongst the MLAs. This will make Indian democracy a laughing stock before the world.

RAM PARKASH KHANNA, Dharamsala (HP)

V

The Jharkhand Governor’s action has been widely condemned. A Governor is the constitutional head of the state and is supposed to protect the Constitution. He cannot compromise his position at any cost.

Mr Syed Sibtey Razi’s actions have definitely dented the prestige of the Governor’s post. He should be recalled forthwith. It is common perception that hardcore politicians appointed as Governors are often pliable.

A fresh debate regarding the appointment and powers of a Governor is called for in the interest of federalism and true democracy.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

Promoting Indo-Pak ties IT is nice to read reports of Indo-Pak peace efforts every day (“Pak delegates pay obeisance at Golden Temple”, Feb 25). It is a testimony to the improvement in Indo-Pak relations. Prior to the measures taken by the governments of both countries, we should have more and more people-to-people contacts for promoting peace. Cultural exchange programmes through music concerts, literary workshops and sports congregations will help remove hatred and improve bilateral relations. I specifically commend the ongoing India-Pakistan cricket series that began in Chandigarh on March 8. PAARTH A. NARANG, Jalandhar II The current India-Pakistan cricket test series will provide a conducive atmosphere to further improve friendship between the nations. I appeal to all cricket lovers to extend support to the best team. ARIF NAZIR, DAV College, Amritsar