Opinion Too close for comfort
It is an old trick used by the party in embarrassing situations.
Too close for comfort
The Congress cannot get away by distancing the party and Rahul Gandhi from Meenakshi Natarajans media gagging bill,terming it a private members bill and not Rahuls view (Congress distances Rahul from censor Bill,IE,May 2). It is an old trick used by the party in embarrassing situations. Natarajan is not only a Congress member but an MP and Rahuls close aide. It is unbelievable she could bring a draconian bill without the consent of the party leadership. The media has played an important role in exposing the Congress-led UPA governments scams,follies and failures.
M.C. Joshi
Safety first
THIS refers to Strapping a helmet (IE,April 30). Air Marshal Arjan Singh,a Sikh,received innumerable siropas (headscarf presented at gurdwaras) whenever he visited the Golden Temple. But he always wore a helmet while flying fighter planes. When cricket icon Harbhajan Singh comes to bat wearing a helmet,I have not seen any riot break out. I agree it may be inconvenient for a biker to wear a helmet for a short distance and then struggle to adjust his turban. He might have to make a choice between a helmet and a turban,but on practical grounds,not religious.
S. Singh
Gurgaon
Pride of place
THE contention that since we have had a Hindu,Muslim and Sikh president,there should now be a Christian one is an unnecessary attempt to flaunt our secular credentials. However,a selection from within the political mainstream would be most logical. It would not be a bad idea to consider Somnath Chatterjee for president. After the CPM withdrew support from the UPA government in 2008,Chatterjee,in spite of being associated with the party,preferred to uphold his non-partisan position as the then speaker.
Pachu Menon
Margao
Past,present,future
THIS refers to Low on street cred (IE,May 2). Sanjaya Baru has rightly compared 1990-91 and 2011-12,against the backdrop of S&Ps latest report on India. The possibility of India defaulting in future while paying todays bills is cause for worry. Political stability,along with a reformist policy,will be essential to improve ratings.
Shishir Sindekar
Nashik
Pension as luxury
ONE is shocked to read that former Lok Sabha speakers,Somnath Chatterjee and P.A. Sangma,have demanded retirement benefits similar to those given to former presidents and vice-presidents. The comrades demand is more confounding!
C.N.N. Nair
THE demand by ex-Lok Sabha speakers for retirement benefits such as free housing,transport,staff is outrageous.
K.G. Jalnawala
Ahmednagar
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