M A I L B A G

Expulsion not enough; bring them to book

I refer to the two editorials “It’s a shame” (Dec 13) and “Throw them out” (Dec 21). The sting operations prove that the Indian political system is self-indulgent and self-serving. Its impact can be seen in the rot in public life. This is cause for serious concern. To stem the rot, expulsion of MPs is not enough. They must be tried and punished for the offence in accordance with law.

One of the paradoxes of the relation between the privilege of an MP and the reputation of Parliament is that frequent invocation of privilege is more likely to harm than enhance Parliament’s image. For the survival of our democracy, rule of law must be applied to one and all, high or low.

P.L. SETHI, Patiala

M.L. BATURA, Karnal

III

I am interested to know some more details about the sting operations. Among the members of Parliament interviewed, how many of them refused to cooperate with the sting operator and his conduits? And how many of them offered to return the money for the fear of exposure in the media?

P.R. DAWAR, Abohar

IV

The ‘India Shining’ slogan became a reality on December 23 when following the recommendation of Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, MP from Chandigarh and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee, 10 MPs of the Lok Sabha involved in the cash-for-query scam were expelled.

The signal was well received by the world community with deep appreciation for the country’s democratic ethos and desire to maintain highest standards of integrity in Parliament. We Indians can hold our heads high in spite of the prevalence of high level of corruption in our society.

Air Marshal P.K. JAIN (retd), Chandigarh

V

I welcome the expulsion of 11 MPs. The other seven MPs should also be expelled for misusing the MPs’ Local Areas Development Scheme. This scheme needs re-evaluation and constant check to prevent its misuse by the MPs. Parliament should constantly review it.

The common man should be made more vigilant in future. Only those persons should be elected who are honest, sincere and well educated. Our leaders should learn a lesson from such incidents. They should work honestly and sincerely for the common man’s welfare so that Parliament’s lost image is restored.

GIAN CHAND VERMA, Yamunanagar

VI

Though a number of MPs have protested against the sting operations, the common man seems to be in favour of such operations because they show us that patriotism and character are only skin deep with a majority of our politicians. The two scams show the character of some MPs who must be rejected at the hustings.

P.K. GUPTA, Bathinda

VII

People who died defending the highest temple of democracy have been betrayed by those Members of Parliament who took bribes for raising questions in Parliament. The question arises whether they have done anything for the people. The common man’s faith in the elected representatives has been shaken irretrievably. It is time the right to recall is introduced in India as in Switzerland.

KULDEEP SINGH, Una

VIII

This has reference to the editorial “Good riddance” (Dec 24). The editorial’s message is loud and clear. There is a biblical story that one Angel defied the rules of Heaven. God gave him lot of counselling but he was obstinate. Then God evicted that angel from heaven. His name was Satan (devil) and the names of his supporters were demons.

We should evict all such devils and demons from Parliament. “Good riddance” is one example.

ONKAR SINGH RIAR, Sun Valley (Nevada, USA)

IX

I fully endorse the views of the former Union Minister Arun Shourie that the MPs’ Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) should be wound up as the funds are rarely used where they are most wanted. I have not heard or seen any Minister visiting and allocating funds for the Deaf and Dumb School or the Juvenile Home where the destitute children are lodged at Gurdaspur.

M.S. BEHL, Gurdaspur