L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Anna’s agitation is not a farce

This refers to the editorial, “No room for theatrics” (August 22). It is highly insensitive to say that Anna Hazare’s movement has given “the civil society activists hope that they can browbeat the government into submission”. Anna Hazare’s movement is not a farce. He does not intend to destabilize the government. I am surprised the editorial fails to take a balanced view of the situation. There is no denying the fact that Parliament is supreme.

But our representatives have to do enough to make us believe that they are serious on the issue of rooting out corruption. One can criticise Anna Hazare for hardening his stand, but he is fighting for a just cause. The media should feel the pulse of the people and respect the man for his courage and determination. There is nothing theatrical in this movement, and Anna, at this age, has nothing to gain personally.

Major RAJIV MALHOTRA (retd), Jalandhar

Dr KAMALJEET KAUR SEKHON, Assistant Professor, Khalsa College, Patiala

Abject surrender

Indian cricket has reached its nadir after Team India’s pathetic show in England losing all the Test matches (editorial, “Shameful surrender: BCCI has let down Indian cricket”, August 24). Dhoni’s luck has not helped him this time. But when you play cricket at the highest level, you do not tend to rely on your luck. It is how well you have prepared yourself before the series that determines your level of confidence during the series.

There was no resistance from our batsmen in the entire series. Dravid was the only player who showed great courage and resilience throughout the series. But none even tried to emulate him. This made the task of Englishmen easier.

PARMINDER SINGH, Mohali

II

I commend The Tribune for its hard-hitting editorial, “Shameful surrender: BCCI has let down Indian cricket” (August 24). There is no doubt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is responsible for the greatest humiliation Team India has ever faced in recent times by losing the latest series 0-4 to England. It has embarrassed over a billion Indians across the world.

The BCCI has been unjust in selecting players for the Test matches against England. The timing of the English tour was the major factor that led to India’s humiliation. There should have been ample time for the players to regain fitness before the Tests. No attention was paid to the health of the players who had played a long IPL tournament, and then headed for the West Indies tour, which was also not impressive.

Then they went straightaway to England for a series comprising 4 Test matches and 5 ODIs. The players were injured, tired and homesick. So, they couldn't deliver.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Lokpal debate

Questions: (I) If Anna Hazare’s group does not agree for dialogue, what is the alternative? (2) If the government (Standing Committee) does not accept his Jan Lokpal Bill as such, what will happen? (3) If the Jan Lokpal Bill is accepted by the Standing Committee and is not passed by Parliament, what will then be the situation? (4) If the stalemate continues and the government does not yield, what will be the outcome? (5) The ultimate decision maker is Parliament. If all said and done, Parliament makes amendments to the bill and they are not acceptable to the Anna group, what will be the situation?

(6) Some people in states are on fast unto death, if some people go on fast against those already fasting, what will be the situation? (7) If any other individual or group pushes for its own draft, what will be the situation? If the Jan Lokpal Bill is passed as such by Parliament under duress, where does our democracy stand? The situation is complex and dangerous that needs calm and careful thinking and actions, which do not damage or demolish our democracy.

Suggestion: Whatever may be the merits of the Jan Lokpal Bill or any other bill, ultimately it has to be passed by Parliament. At this juncture, Parliament is full to the brim with corrupt individuals and criminals. They are not expected to pass an Act, which will put them in the dock and harm their interests. Then why not change this Parliament. I think civil societies, the Anna group and people at large should demand dissolution of this Parliament either through the President of India, or the Prime Minister should be pressurized to ask for mid-term elections to Parliament.

Then election should be contested solely on the issue of corruption. Let the people make their choice anew to induct honest members into Parliament and civil societies should work to field and support honest candidates.

The Election Commission can be made to reject tainted candidates. It is only Parliament manned by honest and untainted members that can take such decisions in the interest of the public. Otherwise, we are treading a very dangerous path, which can lead to social unrest, imposition of emergency and even civil war.

S S JOHL, former Vice-Chancellor, Ludhiana