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Talks only solution to Lokpal impasse

With reference to the editorial, “The escalating standoff” (August 17), I would like to say that the rallies and fasts are, in fact, not the solution to the problem. The solution lies in sitting across the table and convincing each other with logical arguments.

In fact, corruption and black money are issues, which have agitated the minds of millions in the country. Anna’s campaign against corruption has won him new followers as well as some critics. The campaign against corruption is valid, but his actions are an attempt to bully the Indian Government.

HARISH K MONGA, Ferozepur

The editorial, “The escalating standoff” (August 17), deserves appreciation for retaining balance while analysing the situation arising out of Anna’s satyagraha for ensuring the passing of a strong Lokpal Bill.

It is a fact that confusion has characterised the stand of the government on this issue. The outburst of the Congress spokesman levelling charges of corruption against Anna Hazare, in an effort to deter him from spearheading the agitation, has not gone down well with the common man, who is facing a difficult situation due to rising prices and deteriorating standard of services on account of uncontrolled corruption. I endorse your views that the Centre needs to take credible action to stem the tide of corruption, and the activists have to be fair and allow the Parliament Standing Committee to do its job.

Nisha Chabba, Panchkula

III

The editorial, “The escalating standoff” (August 17) deserves appreciation for the balanced views on the issue that is likely to rock the nation in the coming days if the government fails to take healing action in time. The whisking away of Anna and his teammates by the Delhi police before they defied the prohibitory orders was certainly uncalled for. But the manner in which Anna Hazare’s team is not allowing

Parliament to debate the draft bill on the setting up of a Lokpal cannot be condoned. The Constitution provides that laws can be enacted by Parliament after proper discussion in the House by the elected members, and such laws are subject to judicial review by the apex court. Any interference in this process is unconstitutional.

Lajpat Rai Garg, Panchkula

It is unfortunate that Anna’s campaign against corruption has reached a point of no return (editorial, “The escalating standoff “, August 17). It’s all due to the fact that the elected representatives of the people have failed to take effective steps to eradicate corruption. They have so far been only interested in lining their own pockets. They do not think of the common man; how he is leading a miserable life due to rampant corruption in the country. So, a mass movement against corruption is now building up, and such movements give birth to revolutions.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

This refers to the editorial, “The escalating standoff” (August 17). The editorial has taken a balanced view regarding the standoff between Anna Hazare on one side, and the government, headed by the Congress, on the other.

When the nation raised the voice of dissent in a peaceful manner under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, it had asked the British to quit the government as well as India. The British Empire unsuccessfully tried to crush the peaceful freedom movement. Today, the nation has raised its voice of dissent in a peaceful manner under the leadership of Anna Hazare to control corruption in the government.

Dr Tirath Garg, Ferozepur

I want to say that Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption is heading in the right direction, as it is being supported by millions of people across India and in other countries.

The issue of inclusion of the judiciary and the CBI within the purview of the Lokpal can only be achieved through mass agitation, as none of the successive governments is willing to do so unless compelled by circumstances.

The Judicial Accountability Bill is in the process of being tabled in Parliament, but if the judiciary is included in the Lokpal Bill, it will make judges more accountable and responsible in respect of the vast powers vested in them. Inclusion of the CBI within its purview will free it from the clutches of the Central government, and it will be able to work and investigate freely.

KAMALJOT SINGH, Patiala

VII

Anna Hazare and his team have already convinced the people that they are fighting against corruption, but the UPA government does not wish to put an end to the evil.

The opposition parties are trying to ride both the horses: they are supporting Anna Hazare and thus embarrassing the government, but are not endorsing Anna Hazare’s version of the bill either.

L R Sharma, Jalandhar

Death-knell for relations

The middle, “Lost relations” (August 15) by Sarita Mohan, made a cogitative reading. True, the rishtas are dying their own death; rather most of them have died a slow death. Joint families have become extinct, so have buas, mausis, chachas and tayas, as people these days are opting for a single child. Family functions have been reduced to mere rituals. It is money, which has played havoc with relations. “No money, no relation syndrome” has overtaken almost all relations.
Besides, the craze for nuclear family, youths leaving their homes for jobs in other cities, selfishness, generation gap, and fast disintegrating values have sounded the death knell for relations.
The mention of an old couple in the middle was thought provoking. The old deserve to be treated with care and love, as all of us will become old some day. Eventually it can be said that the only way to have a relation is to be one.
TARSEM S BUMRAH, Batala