M A I L B A G

The political imbroglio in Jharkhand

AJ Philip’s article “Political perfidy in Jharkhand: The majority that never was” (March 17) examines the political imbroglio that afflicted the state after the elections. Each and every detail of the political drama enacted in Ranchi and in New Delhi has been laid bare for everyone to see.

The key point that emerges from the analysis is that in an hour of crisis almost everyone who mattered got excited and acted impulsively instead of showing restraint and let the events run their natural course. Even if Governor Syed Sibtey Razi allowed a longer time span for the Shibu Soren government to prove its majority, there was absolutely no need for the nation’s conscience-keepers to expedite the matter from Delhi. For proving the majority, the State Assembly is the right forum. The process of parading MLAs in the Rashtrapathi Bhavan should not be encouraged.

Mr Philip has summed up the outcome of the high drama sardonically, “Where was the so-called majority that BJP claimed all along?” Clearly, 40-37 vote for the BJP is no majority at all.

Dr B.R. SOOD, Prof & Head (ECE), SBBS Institute of Eng. & Tech, Khiala (Jalandhar)

II

The writer has put up a feeble defence for an indefensible Governor. By taking up cudgels for a thoroughly wronged and discredited Syed Sibtey Razi, the writer too can be said to have subverted the whole episode.

The NDA had the majority support of 41 legislators including five Independent MLAs. This was crystal clear from the very beginning. What other alternative the NDA camp was left with but to fly its MLAs out of the state clandestinely when the Razi-Soren duo was frantically hunting down their prey to justify their foolhardy misadventure? Now with the Arjun Munda Government having won the vote of confidence, the truth has finally prevailed.

As for the BJP, it should not remain in any kind of illusion over its triumph. With the swearing in of all the five Independents as Cabinet ministers, its credibility too has nosedived. Quite amusingly, Syed Sibtey Razi can be complimented on one count. He has unwittingly exposed the numerous inherent paradoxes, debilities, vulnerabilities and inadequacies which our much-vaunted democracy and Constitution are plagued with.

Ultimately, it was a spontaneous assertion and collective resolve of the country that people’s will prevailed over a coterie’s wish to save the honour and dignity of our Constitution.

SOM KIRTI, Shimla

III

The article bails out, fairly convincingly, the Jharkhand Governor who was caught in the eye of a storm for his alleged “partisan role” vis-à-vis the government formation drama enacted in the state very recently. Looking at the reckless Governor-bashing by media persons and many others, Mr Philip’s brave attempt to swim against the tide and present before the readers the other side of the picture merits appreciative notice.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

IV

Syed Sibtey Razi has beaten Romesh Bhandari (the then Governor of Uttar Pradesh) in his record of skulduggery. His continuation in Jharkhand has now become untenable. But such people have neither any qualms of conscience nor any sense of self-respect. Hence they cling to their chair like a limpet.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may be an honest and upright man but so long there are the Razis and the S.C. Jamirs, his image also gets tainted. If he wants to carve for himself a niche in history, he must dispense with the Razis and the Jamirs forthwith.

GEETANJALI KORPAL, Amritsar

The light of hope and joy I appreciate Aditi Tandon’s article “Deadly deformity dashes dreams” (March 11). It has really brought a ray of hope into the life of Rajwinder, suffering from haemangioma, an incurable disease. Though medical science does not offer her any hope for a better future, St Kabir School and its students have promised Rajwinder much more than a ray of hope. Mount Carmel School and St. Stephen’s School have also promised help to Rajwinder. The Tribune article will dispel the darkness of despair and misery from the life of a poor girl and fill it with the light of hope and joy. Rajwinder will visit Chandigarh on March 29, along with her father and Sr Alice SCJM who identified her, to get the promised help and to thank her well wishers. May the abundant blessings of the Good Lord be showered on all those who extend a helping hand to Rajwinder and her family. Fr THOMAS K.J., Rajpura (Patiala)

Sale of medicines

It is a shame that even after 57 years of independence, the masses continue to be gullible when it comes to buying from hawkers at street corners, bus terminals and even in the buses. I realised it recently at Jalandhar bus terminus while travelling to Beas. The hawkers were selling some common medicines which can be sold at medical shops by chemists holding valid licence.

This is utter effrontery to the law in broad daylight. It seems the law enforcing agencies also turning a blind eye to such activities. I urge the authorities to stop the sale of unbranded items and medicines through vendors.

SHRUTI SHARMA, NIT, Hamirpur

Loot by dhabas

I went to Delhi in Haryana Roadways bus recently. The drivers have marked points for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The dhabas charge exorbitant rates and fleece the passengers. The bus drivers and conductors are hand in gloves with the dhabawalas.

The government should order the bus staff to halt buses at government restaurants for eating. This is the only way to get passengers relieved from the daylight loot.

D.S. MOUDGIL, Kullu

Ban smoking

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned smoking in all government offices (March 4). This is a healthy move for other states to follow suit. I seek the attention of the Punjab government to consider a similar step in Punjab in the larger interest of public health.

KAMAL JIT SINGH, Amritsar

A bold step

The report “Daughters performed last rites of father’’ (March 16) is timely. The bold step taken by Kavita-Gopi and Pooja by performing the last rites of their father, engineer Malhotra, despite pressure, is appreciable. They have made history and ushered in a new era. By supporting the cause, Mrs Laxmi Kanta Chawla, former MLA, has earned the gratitude of the people. The Tribune also deserves thanks for highlighting such an event.

T.L.SHARMA, Nangal Township (Ropar)