M A I L B A G

Educate voters to reject criminals

In his front-page editorial, “Parliament: Haven for criminals” (Feb 3), H.K. Dua has rightly warned the nation about the increasing menace of criminalisation of politics.

Gandhiji is the apostle of non-violence. He initiated non-violent Satyagraha to fight against the high and the mighty. He was selfless and fearless. Ch. Chhotu Ram called him a very sincere person. He was secular to the core. The best way to fight the criminals is to launch a nationwide movement to educate the voters and help cleanse the politics. I am confident that once the people are educated and enlightened, they will refuse to send criminals to Parliament and state legislatures.

Prof HARI SINGH, Kheri Jat (Jhajjar)

II

The writer has rightly observed that many MPs and MLAs are criminals. Worse, they boast of being goondas and openly dare others to contest against them in the elections. Of course, clean and honest politicians are of no match before their money and muscle power.

S.K. HANS, Jalandhar

III

I agree with Mr Dua’s observation that criminals get shelter in Parliament by virtue of their corrupt political mentors. These criminal-turned politicians are not aware of their duties, responsibilities and goals. Consequently, in Parliament, they behave only for their personal interest rather than the overall national interest.

Clearly, the remedy lies with the politicians and political parties themselves. Those with criminal antecedents should not be given tickets to contest elections. Only then, we can check criminalisation of politics and improve governance.

S.K. MITTAL, Panchkula

IV

Gandhiji never contested an election. However, had he been alive today, I wonder whether he would have won an election from UP! The criminals’ presence in Parliament is bad, but I reckon that almost 50 per cent of our parliamentarians won’t be able to write Gandhiji’s full name.

If a law barring criminals from contesting elections is passed, I am afraid, the criminals, masquerading as politicians, would send their spouses or siblings to Parliament and enjoy power without accountability.

Consider how many women sarpanches or municipal councillors use the power bestowed on them by virtue of their elected posts? Unless we the people rise as a nation and refuse to elect criminals or shady characters, we cannot curb criminalisation of politics.

ARUN HASTIR, Babehali (Gurdaspur)

V

Mr Dua has given a timely warning to the political parties for patronising criminals in the elections. Our present political bosses are hiring criminals and awarding them plum posts so that they can lead a luxurious life. How can our Parliament and state legislatures be treated as sanctuaries for the criminals?

It is a shame that Phulpur in UP, once represented by Jawaharlal Nehru, is now held by Atiq Ahmed, a history sheeter against whom 46 criminal cases are pending. A law to ban criminals from contesting elections has become imperative. This will be a fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the nation.

MUKAND LAL KAUSHIK, Chandigarh

VI

Unfortunately, the Chief Election Commissioner at the Centre and the election commissioners in the states have no powers to stop these goondas from contesting elections. Still, Parliament has the power to pass a law banning those from contesting elections against criminal charges have been framed. Of course, whether the parties political parties will do it or not is the question.

M. L. GARG, Chandigarh