Letters

The editor welcomes your views and feedback: inbox@dnaindia.net Think before you act Your report ‘Anna fever on wane, only 5,000’ and the reasons for the poor turnout in DNA (December 28) was logical and interesting. I wish Team Anna, particularly the vociferous Arvind Kejriwal, considered all this before embarking on this fast in Mumbai, Pune and Delhi (in this weather). —Yash P Verma, Pune Divisive politics at play This refers to ‘Cong gets its Lokpal without Rahul’s status’ (December 28). The Lokpal Bill cleared by the Lok Sabha is still to be cleared by the Rajya Sabha. The Lokpal case was a test of sincerity for the parliamentarians to show their commitment to fighting corruption and the present lot has failed that test miserably. Instead of availing a golden opportunity to create an independent and empowered corruption ombudsman and securing its place in the country’s history, the establishment has done the opposite by injecting the virus of caste and religion based reservations. Democracies thrive on politics which unites society and takes the country forward. Unfortunately, the case is just opposite in the largest democracy of the world, where politics is all about divide and rule and the country’s interests are at the bottom of each politician’s priority-list. India needs game-changers or a change in the rules of the game. —MC Joshi, Lucknow Low turnout at fast The low turnout of people at Anna Hazare’s fast at the MMRDA ground at Bandra Kurla Complex can be attributed to a realisation among them that the agitation is politically motivated. This has led to this disinterest in the fast. Since the Congress-led UPA government has already presented the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament, Anna Hazare and his team have no authority to challenge the Parliament, which is supreme and the ultimate authority. It is high time Anna stops behaving like a dictator and an agent of the Sangh Parivar and end his fast and concentrate on his health which is deteriorating to ensure the Lokpal Bill is passed smoothly, failing which he and his team will be fully responsible for unrest and violence that will erupt in the country. —Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai II This is about the news in your newspaper about an abysmal number of people attending Anna’s fast in Mumbai and the apprehension regarding the waning influence of his agitation against corruption in the country. One of the reasons for the low turnout is the current examination period of schools and colleges coinciding with the fast. For standard X and XII students, this is a very crucial period with pre-board exams and the oncoming finals. For students preparing for CET exams, this is an important time too. As for offices and factories, it is closing time where financial reports have to be presented. Several others in government departments have gone on leave to avail of their excess leave. All these factors have kept most people away from the venue of the anti-graft agitation. However, this does not in any way mean that people have lost faith in the agitation or that their seriousness in fighting corruption has reduced by any measure. —Y S Krishnamoorthy, via email Sore throat because of pollutants This is with reference to ‘Blame that sore throat on pollutants’ (December 27) in DNA. A change in climate is a nightmare for people suffering from respiratory ailments. Winter is a pain for asthmatic patients because they experience increased wheezing while breathing. Preventive measures like avoiding public places or construction sites may help. Due to heavy density in the atmosphere, foreign bodies stay in the air which irritates the oesophagus. Taking precautions is better than cure. —Deepak Chikramane, Mumbai Preventive measures This is with reference to ‘Lock coach doors to curb misuse: RPF’ (December 28). The Railway Protection Force has warned the railway administration about the issue. The Railways’ argument that it’s the RPF’s responsibility to look after the yards by constant patrolling may be valid but is unfair. Security measures like installation of metal detectors, CCTV cameras, etc on railway platforms will be futile if coaches kept in the yards are left unlocked. It is always advisable to take corrective action beforehand instead of blaming each other when miscreants, criminals or terrorists misuse such coaches. —Kishorkumar Ved, via email Justice delayed The NIA has filed an exhaustive charge sheet against nine foreign nationals (including seven Pakistanis) for their alleged involvement in the 26/11 terror. But before they could be produced at the Indian courts, they have to be extradited from their respective countries, which is a long process. The actual trial may take about a decade, even if it is held in a fast track court. Subsequent appeals to higher judicial tribunals and finally the mercy petitions can easily consume another decade and crores of rupees of the tax payers’ money. Justice is elusive. —Arun Malankar, Mumbai SMS, email to vote The Election Commission of India should explore the possibility of voting through SMS or email (‘Now, polling at a society near you by Seema Kamdar, December 27, DNA). With the help of technology to ensure that the process is secure, allowing citizens to cast their votes through mobile phones can become a reality. The main advantages being that there will be a phenomenal increase in the number of people who will cast their votes from the comfort of their homes and a decrease in queues outside polling booths, thereby, reducing the pressure on security forces. —Ketan R. Meher, Mumbai