The Hindu Business Line : <I>Welcome turning point </I>

The decision of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Ms J. Jayalalithaa, to attend the State Assembly on May 27 and participate in the proceedings will immeasurably gladden all those longing for reinforcement of healthy democratic traditions and decencies of public and political life.

Indeed, after 17 long years, it was a heart-warming sight to see the present Chief Minister and his predecessor seated face-to-face, and spiritedly indulging in the cut-and-thrust of debate.

There is no denying that both Mr M. Karunanidhi and Ms Jayalalithaa are today among India's top leaders who have left their mark on the domain of politics and public affairs, and been responsible, in no small measure, for shaping events not only within the State but at the Centre as well.

It is also undeniable that they enjoy the backing, if not adulation, of millions who are prepared to follow their lead unquestioningly.

Hence, there can be no doubt that any conscious initiative on their part to adopt a positive and constructive approach to relations among parties and their leaders and cadres will simply revolutionise the tone and tenor as also the contours and content of political discourse and take governance and administration to unprecedented heights.

For far too long, the two main Dravidian parties of Tamil Nadu have been trading vitriolic diatribes against each other and their confrontationist posture has resulted in bitterness and even hostility among their cadres. Like their leaders, they were scarcely on talking terms and their mere coming within the sight of each other was often the signal for trouble.

It is to be ardently hoped that Ms Jayalalithaa's presence in what is called the temple of democracy will now become a regular feature and contribute to the raising of the level and quality of the discussion which will, in turn, bring about greater mutual cooperation and conduce to the nurturing of the democratic temper all round.

B. S. RAGHAVAN