Meghnad Desais open letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh throws new light on the resolution of an intractable issue (Denial is failure,IE,August 10). Taking his cue from the workable solution hammered out in Northern Ireland,the idea of a coalition government consisting of all political formations in the J&K assembly,with a common minimum programme to begin with,to defang and defuse the crisis is a possibility of immense potential. But the catch is whether the J&K parties can forget their differences and arrive at some agreement. If the prime minister can be the moving spirit behind such an initiative,therell be a rare window of opportunity.
John Alexander
Nagpur
Blow all whistles
A law to protect whistleblowers is fine in letter and spirit. The editorial Truth be told (IE,August 11) rightly says that it all depends on how this protection is actually implemented. However,it cannot
be said that whistleblowers,even at the cost of their lives,succeed in making any difference to a system like ours where corruption is rampant despite anti-corruption laws. Theres a long list of highly placed government officials facing serious charges of corruption,but taking action against them doesnt seem to be the governments agenda. Exposure of corruption is worthless unless the corrupt,howsoever high and mighty,are swiftly brought before the law and severely punished.
M.C. Joshi
Poor show
This refers to the editorial Futile fury (IE,August 11). One is almost tempted to recall the saying A people get the government they deserve. Some members of the UPA-II cabinet are bringing ridicule not only on themselves and the government but also on the country. Those who have figured in the editorial are simply bereft of political sagacity. Has Mamata Banerjee demanded the railway portfolio to flaunt her importance in national politics,as also her immaturity?
As for the Bellary rally and those Karnataka Union ministers who graced it,one can only say that besides giving the current Parliament session a miss,they seem unable to believe that they are Union cabinet ministers. Overall,the country had witnessed one more UPA-II poor show.
Prasad Malladi
Nidadavole
Call for reform
Apropos Bibek Debroys Ticket to book (IE,August 10),its ironic that an economist is fighting for Indian Railways booking agents. Why cant the Railways provide train tickets on the pattern of banks ATMs? Passenger-oriented reforms are the need of the hour. Hapless passengers deserve better treatment both in terms of facilities and comforts. It goes without saying that the emphasis shouldnt be on more trains but on ensuring that existing tracks and services are given due attention. But all this requires a full-time railway minister.
S.K. Gupta
