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Start campaign against electoral malpractices
While corrupt politicians wallowing in wealth pamper themselves with needless luxuries, crores of people suffer deprivation (editorial, “It’s raining cash in T.N.: Sordid spectacle in Assembly elections,” Apr 7). At an age when their children should be going to school, poor parents force them to pick rags from dumps or do menial jobs in the houses of affluent people. Some parents even sell their newborn children. Can the people reeling under penury be expected to resist the lure of money offered by dishonest politicians? Even if they refuse to take bribe, the rough and tough goons of the candidate use muscle power to influence voters. In fact, honest and fearless religious leaders and social workers, upright people with public spirit and the media should launch a campaign against the candidates, who indulge in malpractices and expose them. BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian
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Anna’s movement I fully endorse the views expressed in the editorial “A feather in Anna’s cap: But there are huge challenges ahead” (Apr 11). Kudos to Anna Hazare for awakening the nation over rampant corruption prevailing in the country and the need to cleanse the system. Certainly the acceptance of Hazare’s demand on drafting of Lokpal Bill by the government is the victory of people who have been outraged and tormented by corruption. Sweeping statements on the Lokpal Bill by politicians have raised doubts about their seriousness and sincerity to fight corruption. The nexus between politicians and bureaucrats and monopolists is unhealthy. They will try to sabotage the passing of Lokpal Bill. Are we not aware of the fate of Women’s Reservation Bill? Capt. S.K. DATTA, Abohar II Manpreet Badal in Punjab and Anna Hazaare at the national stage are talking about removing corruption. But I doubt whether the people who have supported them would remain loyal to the cause. Lot still depends on money power if not on muscle power. I wish them all the best. KULBIR SAGGU, Batala III An assurance by the government to present the long pending Lokpal Bill in the coming monsoon session of Parliament is a step in the right direction. However, there is no guarantee, whether there will be consensus among the representatives of the civil society and government representatives or not. Secondly, there is no assurance from other political parties whether they will support the Bill in Parliament. Moreover, no constitutionally elected government will like to dilute its administrative authority, over the Central Vigilance Commission, Enforcement Directorate, etc which Anna wants to be placed under Lokpal. The passage of the Lokpal Bill in Parliament will not bring much relief, until the expenditure on elections is curtailed. Generation of black money and political corruption are inter-related issues. The point of worry is that chinks have already surfaced in the 10-member joint committee to draft the Bill. Anna Hazare and his team must continue their struggle to eradicate the cancer of corruption. SEWAK BANWAIT, New Delhi IV
The editorial has rightly highlighted the challenges that Anna Hazare’s victory might face. The country, as a whole, barring a few vested interests, is in a jubilant mood as the much-awaited Lokpal Bill to eradicate the menace of rampant corruption is to be given teeth. With this, the tempo of development ought to take its own course and no more projects should hang in balance. This and lot more could only be achieved if the members of the committee are committed and act as per the guidelines of intellectuals sitting outside the panel. G S RATHORE, Khanna
Raining crores
While the country celebrated the spectacular World Cup win, aam aadmi was not exactly overjoyed at various states competing to shower goodies on Dhoni and his men for which the editorial “It’s raining crores” (Apr 5) has rightly pointed that this liberal showering of the taxpayers’ money by the governments of the day is an exercise in self-aggrandisement. More so when the team has already won Rs 14 crore as ICC World Cup prize money and Rs 1 crore each from the BCCI for their sterling victory. The meaningless indulgence of the governments is sheer populism. State governments are tripping over each other while showering goodies on the cricketers by announcing huge cash rewards and allotting plots of land in prime areas. This is really unappreciable. Such competitive show of generosity is nothing but an attempt to score political points. The government neglects infrastructure and development work unless it sees a reason to score brownie points. Why don’t governments bestow the same honour on sports persons from other fields despite their exemplary performances in the international arena? DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh
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The editorial has rightly raised the issue of careless spending of taxpayers’ money by state governments in rewarding cricket players who have already collected huge sums through this game. The media unnecessarily creates hype over cricket and cricketers while real war heroes are often ignored. Lt-Col GURDEV SINGH (retd), Bathinda III I want to ask the government why this profligacy only for cricketers? There are other sport persons in the nation. Only cricketers are being patronised even though only a few countries play cricket. BANSI RAM, Hoshiarpur
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