Opinion Pleasant,public faces
C. Raja Mohans Friends and rivals seemed to ignore the fact that Wen Jiabao and Manmohan Singh are merely the publicly presentable faces of the respective governments
C. Raja Mohans Friends and rivals (IE,December 16) seemed to ignore the fact that Wen Jiabao and Manmohan Singh are merely the publicly presentable faces of the respective governments facades that hide the real power wielders. The 2G scam in India and the Chinese blackout of Wens surprisingly liberal interview with Fareed Zakaria clearly brought this out. Both gentlemen lack the power that their positions imply and are at best placeholders and pleasant facades for the ugly power structure in each country. This also explains why Wens 2005 ice-breaking soon led to a refreeze as the real powers-that-be chose to act otherwise.
Prakash Hebalkar
Mumbai Missed bits
During his visit,the Chinese premier didnt say anything encouraging about curbing terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil. Though the people of Pakistan should be supported for a better,secure and prosperous future,yet terrorists must not be allowed to accomplish their aims of threatening other countries. China could have rendered help in this regard.
Sharda Bhargav
On the slide
This refers to Saubhik Chakrabartis Behind the drift (IE,December 17). Its a telling commentary on the drift of governance and the state of the Congress. Isnt the Congress president protesting too much when she accuses the opposition of denigrating the office of the prime minister,whereas the boot is on the other leg? Would she enlighten us as to what she did,in her capacity as UPA chairperson,when A. Raja rode roughshod over the principle of collective responsibility of the cabinet by overruling the PM by deeds,despite his directive? Do coalition guidelines prescribe that ministers belonging to the allies can ignore the PM? The PM has not taken any initiative to put the guilty in their place. The country has lost crores of rupees. The other embarrassment for UPA 2,and the Congress in particular,is the CVC appointment.
Prasad Malladi
Nidadavole
Under the lens
Its good the Supreme Court has taken responsibility for monitoring the investigation into the 2G spectrum scam (A matter of trust,IE,December 17). It remains to be seen if the CBI is able to pass all the tests. The apex courts supervision has been welcomed by all. However,there are reports the opposition is planning to extend the Parliament logjam to the budget session. The BJP should give up its useless demand for a joint parliamentary committee and cooperate with the government and let Parliament function normally.
R.K. Kapoor
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