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

Display of power by regional parties

The elevation of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to the highest constitutional post in the country is almost certain (Editorial: “Pranab – right choice”, June 18). But the absurd political drama, enacted by three key players — Mamata Bannerjee, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Sonia Gandhi — with political opportunism for the Presidential nomination was not in good taste. It has denigrated the august office of the President as never before.

Mamata Bannerjee’s unholy and conspiratorial alliance with Mulayam Singh Yadav and Sonia Gandhi’s skilful strategy in isolating her and winning the support of most parties in opposition, have exposed not only the apparent fissures in the UPA coalition government but also the NDA’s inability to evolve a solid strategy for a consensus candidate.

The arrogant and brazen display of power by regional parties, whether these are in the government or the opposition, does not augur well for the future of democracy.

Both the Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party should realize that hard decisions alone, taken in national interests, can win back the confidence of the people and strengthen our federal structure necessary to preserve the integrity and plurality of the country.

It is, however, hoped that the new Head of State plays the assigned political role to the best of his knowledge, experience and agility, and contributes his might in achieving the coveted national goals.

D S KANG, Hoshiarpur

Labour problem

In reference to a report published that there is acute shortage of farm labour in Punjab and that too during the time when the paddy plantation is at hand, gives sleepless nights to the farmers. As reported the farmers are thronging the railway stations in quest of labourers expected from other states namely UP and Bihar. But as per reports the arrival of labour is not on the expected lines. Punjab the granary of food in India is in dire straits.

If something is not done to sort out this problem then there shall be serious repercussions of this. Many reasons are cited for this shortage, the introduction of MNREGA is one manor factor for this. Some serious thinking needs to be done on the matter.

One suggestion is that during the harvesting season, the activities concerning MNREGA should be discontinued.It was perhaps for this reason that Punjab is mentioned at the top by Thakur Ravinder Nath Tagore in his national anthem. Needless to mention, the food production of Punjab must not be allowed to fall at any cost. The Punjab government is strongly urged to find some way to wriggle out from this vexed problem.

SANTOSH KUMAR JAMWAL, Hamirpur

No special merit Violence in the house and abuse of family members who are less capable of defending themselves has always existed but the problems had been hidden until recently. The elderly who were abused were not necessarily frailer but were those with least social support as was mentioned in the article “No country for old men” (June 18). Abuse may be physical, psychological, financial or violation of basic rights. Physical abuse includes assault, trauma, bruises, burns, fractures, dehydration, malnutrition, pressure sores, hypothermia and over-sedation. Primary aim in treatment is the recognition and reporting of elder abuse. Counseling of both the victims and the abusers is vital. Youth and age must not be placed in the same home. Tie not the dead to the living. Many great men have disobeyed and disappointed their common-place parents like Gautma Buddha, St Francis, Patriarch, and Karl Marx. In India, old folk wishes that they be consulted on all occasions and must be paid heed. There is no special merit in being old. Time does not always make men better. AVTAR CHOPRA, Kurukshetra