A party's decision on any issue emerges out of thorough deliberations, churning of various viewpoints, suggestions and objections of members. When finally a decision is taken, it becomes an irrefutable line of action. Rahul Gandhi has breached, nay trampled his party's code of conduct for which he owes an explanation.

Many Congress leaders, young and old, were feeling on the same lines as Rahul Gandhi was, but were disciplined enough not to utter against the party's decision and were perhaps waiting for an opportunity to say their mind within the high walls of the party. Had any other leader done what Rahul Gandhi did, he would have been thrown out of the party by now. Rahul Gandhi, therefore, deserves to be treated on the same lines if the party considers itself to be democratic.

Secondly, the words used by him to express his anguish were most appalling, exhibiting a dictatorial mindset. It is the office of Prime Minister which will have to bear the brunt of the 'sublime' language. The office of Prime Minister has been desecrated by none other than the person who may, in future, adorn the very chair he has abused.

L R Sharma, Sundernagar

III

My question to you and the nation is: Would these remarks have carried weight had these been said by somebody other than Rahul Gandhi?

J S DUGAL, via email

Sidhu’s concern

I applaud Navjot Singh Sidhu for showing concern for his constituency (Amritsar). I am glad that he has raised his ire against the Punjab government for ignoring his constituency. He evidently pulled the ground from under the feet of the so-called infallible Badal government. It worked so magically that the otherwise cash-strapped government came to its rescue with all kinds of denials and despicable realities to save the day for them. I appreciate Sidhu's efforts to raise the problems of his constituency and trying to solve them. Such fearlessness and uprightness is the need of the hour to bridle untamed liars (politicians).

RAVINDER SINGH RAVI, Chamkaur Sahib

VIP security

Elaborate security arrangements for VIPs have become more of a status symbol which is often provided whimsically using exaggerated threat perception rather than based on intelligence reports. There is a growing clamour for getting VIP security for even nondescript politicians too. The need is to rationalise what has hitherto been a flagrant state patronage network.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal's pragmatic approach of paring the security cover is a plausible action if followed in letter and in spirit. The cover of many more should be whittled in subsequent screenings. It will enable the state to ameliorate the image and curtail the crime rate with more policing on the streets.

VIP security has become a nuisance for the aam aadmi. The debt-ridden exchequer is further burdened by unnecessary security covers to many politicians. Leaders should set an example by using minimum security guards. The Israel prime minister is one of the most threatened politicians but people barely notice his guards. Why can't we follow/learn from these leaders?

MAJOR JAGMOHAN KABULI (RETD), Chandigarh

Onion prices

The outrageous prices of onion and other vegetables have upset the common man's budget. The Centre and state governments have failed miserably to take punitive action against hoarders and black marketers indulging in unfair trade practices. On the other hand, the government is pretending to be very concerned and serious about the issue and is promising to crack down on the culprits. But the fact is that hoarders are operating in connivance with officials and hence they are not held.

B M RAWLLEY, Zirakpur