Opinion Poll signals
Congresss recent comment on banning opinion polls before elections has set cat among pigeons.
* The Congresss recent comment on banning opinion polls before elections has set the cat among the pigeons (No reason to ban,IE,November 5). The rationale for such a ban,it has been argued,is the unscientific or motivated approach of the pollsters. The 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha elections and the last assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were cited as instances where these polls got most of their predictions wrong,thus proving how unscientific they are. So the conclusion that these opinion polls influence voters seems a bit far fetched. The very fact that the pollsters got it wrong proves that,no matter what their predictions,the electorate has a mind of its own. It only shows that the electorate is now mature and not swayed by such efforts. Claiming otherwise is to give the pollsters more credit than they deserve.
R. Chopra
Dont give in
* This refers to The Singh doctrine by Sanjaya Baru (IE,November 6). The PMs latest pronouncement on his foreign policy doctrine,in an address to Indian diplomats,is rooted in todays ground realities. Jawaharlal Nehrus nonalignment is outdated. We must regard countries around the world with an open mind and be realistic in pursuing our interests,both economic and strategic. We must also show dynamism. Manmohan Singh earned,for himself and the country,some credit and respect for pursuing the nuclear deal with the US during UPA1. Perhaps,that made some of his colleagues jealous. As a result,he is not allowed to freely steer our relations with either Bangladesh or Sri Lanka. The PM is not asserting himself enough. In the few months left for UPA2 to complete its term,he should resist outside pressures on foreign policy. Because if he gives in,he will be endangering our strategic interests.
M.K.D. Prasada Rao
Ghaziabad
Pricing knowledge
* Only talking about the cost incurred on ISROs Mars mission is unwarranted. Unfortunately,even a former ISRO chief has criticised the project at this late stage. We must be proud of ISROs scientists and technicians. The entire team that designed,planned and executed the project within such a short span of time deserves congratulations for their achievement. The Mars mission aims at expanding the boundaries of our knowledge. It is impossible to quantify what that is worth or how much should have been spent on it.
R.P. Shahi
Hit the road
* This refers to Head to Lanka,Mr PM by Mallika Joseph (IE,November 8). The writer has rightly advised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to either attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or admit to the fact that he has no say or control over matters of foreign policy. Before it is too late,he needs to muster the courage to firmly tell the Congress that his absence from the meeting will prove to be counterproductive and detrimental to our national interest.
Satwant Kaur
Mahilpur
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