M A I L B A G

A vote for growth and governance

THE Bihar Assembly election results show that Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Muslim-Yadav (MY) factor is cracking up. So is Ram Vilas Paswan’s most backward-dalit-Muslim rhetoric. It is a vote in favour of development and some semblance of governance.

The credit for this change should go to the Election Commission’s firm resolve to conduct free and fair elections. Bogus voting and booth capturing, which were the trademarks of the Lalu era, were checked due to the effective deployment of the paramilitary forces. As a result, the downtrodden masses, hitherto fed on social justice rhetoric, were able to cast their votes fearlessly.

Blatant minority appeasement by its partners in the name of secularism has proved to be counter-productive for the Congress.

The BJP too should take note that people vote for development plank more than the Hindutva or Mandir factors. Bihar has again proved this point after the BJP’s victory in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh elections two years back.

Dr ASHOK KAPAHTIA, Shimla

II

During the 15-year-long rule of the Lalu-Rabri combine, as no development works were undertaken, Bihar is being regarded as the most backward state of the Indian Union. The mafia dons ruled the roost where the common man felt most neglected and marginalised. The democratic machinery was totally paralysed in the state.

Worse, the MLAs behaved like lambs and followed Lalu’s diktats to choose Rabri Devi as the Chief Minister after he vacated the chair following his arrest in the multi-crore fodder scam. There was jungle rule in the state.

For such a fair verdict against the misrule, the credit goes to the Election Commission. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has a heavy agenda. He must restore law and order and put the state on the fast track of growth.

KARNAIL SINGH, Kharar

III

I compliment the people of Bihar for having voted sensibly, intelligently and giving majority to the JD(U)-BJP combine. They defeated Lalu Prasad Yadav who has become an icon of corruption, non-governance and antics. He undermined the wisdom and intelligence of Bihari voters and thought he could rule Bihar forever.

Now, the people of Bihar expect Nitish Kumar to perform. Bihar should regain its lost glory and march towards progress. We wish him good luck and are hopeful that he will turn out to be a much better, sincere and honest Chief Minister than Lalu Prasad Yadav or Rabri Yadav.

S.P. SHARMA, Mumbai

LPG shortage

The people of Palampur are facing problems due to acute shortage of LPG. Those who book for refills do not get them for a long time. However, VIPs get them immediately. Does it mean that there is shortage of LPG cylinders only for common people? The Indian Oil Corporation should promptly look into the problem of Indane gas shortage.

Dr RAJAN MALHOTRA, Rehan Nurpur (Palampur)

Majesty of President’s office I refer to the editorial “President’s musings” (Nov 14). Apparently, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is influenced by Montesquieu’s doctrine of separation of powers as reflected in the US Constitution. Conversely, the Indian Constitution has the British Constitution as its role model because of historical ties. While the President’s office is mostly ceremonial in nature, the Prime Minister is the chief executive. Earlier, some of Dr Kalam’s predecessors raked avoidable controversies by certain indiscreet remarks and observations. Ideally, like the British monarchy, the President should distinguish prudently, follow discreet behaviour in public which would enhance the constitutional image of the exalted office. The same should have an aura of decorum and not get mired in any unsavoury controversy. V.I.K. SHARMA, Jalandhar City