M A I L B A G

Centre must recall Buta Singh

THIS has reference to the editorial “Buta Singh must go” (Oct 8). It is not proper to blame the man as the down and out politician having been rehabilitated as the Bihar Governor had no option but to do the bidding of his benefactors.

It is the Union Government which manipulated the egregious act that should meet with its deserts. The Governors have always been used by the Congress party for its partisan ends. It is a pity that people like Lalu Prasad Yadav have come to dominate national politics.

GEETANJALI KORPAL, Advocate, Amritsar

II

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s gesture of owing moral responsibility for the decision of the Bihar Governor’s report is laudable. But allowing Buta Singh to continue till the Supreme Court’s detailed order is received has no merit.

The operative part of the verdict is very clear. Perhaps the government apprehends that he may spill the beans as regards the political conspiracy behind this affair.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

III

In this whole episode, the main villain has been allowed to go scot-free with his twin political objectives already achieved, i.e., prevention of his arch rival from becoming the Bihar Chief Minister and forcing Assembly elections under his own hegemony by a proxy Governor.

Has the Supreme Court been allowed to peep through this smokescreen of willful unconstitutionality and make bold to bring the real culprit under judicial punishment? No, in the eyes of the common man!

HEMANT GOPAL, Advocate, Barnala

IV

Mr Buta Singh should be recalled immediately following the Supreme Court judgement that the dissolution of the State Assembly was unconstitutional. Indeed, he dissolved the Assembly with a mala fide intention — to prevent the JD (U) leader, Mr Nitish Kumar, from staking claim to form the government. The Governor should have given just 2-3 days time to Mr Kumar to prove his majority in the State Assembly.

Free and fair elections are not possible if he continues as Governor anymore. It is also time Governors were directly elected by the legislators. This will prevent the ruling party at the Centre from packing the Raj Bhavans with its own partymen.

SHER SINGH, Ludhiana

V

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has owned moral responsibility for the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly. But Governor Buta Singh still continues in his chair like a limpet. A debate is on regarding appointment of politicians as Governors. The latest move will only encourage them to take unconstitutional steps. The sooner the right precedent is set, the better.

M.P.S. RANDHAWA, Dhapai (Kapurthala)

VI

President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a seasoned and mature person, should have returned the Union Cabinet’s unconstitutional recommendation to dissolve the Bihar Assembly. Had he done so, the matter would have ended to the liking of all.

The President acted in haste, even though he was bound to accept the Cabinet’s decision had it been sent back to him again for the second time. Dr Kalam acted in undue haste, despite his hectic schedule in Moscow.

KHUSHHAL THAKUR, Rampur Bushahr (HP)

VII

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Bihar Assembly dissolution was unconstitutional. A decision like the dissolution of the Assembly affects all political parties and citizens. In future, can’t the Centre seek a ruling from Supreme Court well in advance of the elections?

For instance, in some cases, there is a provision under the Income-Tax Act for advance ruling. This will ensure that there is no abrogation rule of law and the government can also be saved from a red face.

MAHESH KAPASI, New Delhi

Welcome view

I endorse the suggestion for abolishing Class VIII Board examination in Haryana. The same view holds good for Punjab also. The National Awardee Association, Punjab, has also demanded the abolition of Class VIII examination conducted by the Punjab School Education Board. It has asked the government to entrust the examination to schools.

Board examination even for Class VIII is a waste of time and money. If it is abolished, it will stop students’ mad rush for taking private tuition to prepare for the examination.

GURDIAL SINGH JASSAL, Moga