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This is an archive article published on May 13, 2013
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Opinion Press send

This refers to ‘Socially networked election’ by Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda

The Indian Express

May 13, 2013 12:42 AM IST First published on: May 13, 2013 at 12:42 AM IST

Press send

* This refers to ‘Socially networked election’ by Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda (IE,May 10). The Election Commission of India should explore the possibility of people voting via SMS or email. Of course,this would need technology to ensure that the process is secure. There could be a phenomenal increase in the number of voters,who would be able cast their votes from the comfort of their homes. It would also cut down on queues outside the polling booths,thereby reducing pressure on the security forces.

— Ketan R. Meher

Thane

Free agent

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* THE Supreme Court’s observation on the CBI should be taken seriously,that the investigating agency has been a “caged parrot” speaking on behalf of the political class but it should not turn into an “unbridled horse”. The apprehension is that since the CBI is funded by the government,it cannot act independently is misplaced. The best way to make the CBI truly autonomous is to ensure that multiple authorities have their say in the selection of the director. That includes the PM,the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha,the CVC and the chief justice of the Supreme Court. Instead of waiting for the apex court’s diktat and further embarrassment,the Centre should issue an ordinance making the CBI independent,although this should be done after taking the opposition into confidence.

— A. Seshagiri Rao

Chennai

Despite Karnataka

* THE voters of Karnataka chose smartly when they rejected the corrupt B.S. Yeddyurappa’s KJP. But they have voted the Congress back into power. The Congress,however,should remember that this is only one assembly election and not a trailer for 2014. Voters from Karnataka and other states cannot forget Bofors,the coal allocation controversy,2G,CWG,Adarsh and other scams that have cost the exchequer crores of rupees. Indians have also been hurt by the long-running food inflation.

— Hansraj Bhat

Mumbai

* The voters in Karnataka have given the Congress party a clear mandate to rule the state for five years. With too many aspirants and contenders to the post of chief minister,each with strong caste affinities,the party’s winning promise of stability and good governance may be hard to achieve. It could slip all too easily into bickering and infighting. Although all the leaders eyeing the post of chief minister vowed to abide by the decision of the party high command,they all indulged in lobbying and armtwisting to land the coveted post. It is imperative that Congress party leaders in the state be more mature and courteous to each other. Differences and egos should be set aside in the larger interests of the state. The reasons for the BJP’s downfall should be a lesson for the Congress.

— Zulfikhar Akram

Bangalore