Dismal record

The editorial “Parliament's dismal record” is an eye-opener and has rightly observed “the fact that the elected representatives from both sides of the bench were keener on the forthcoming State elections bespeaks the callousness of Parliamentarians entrusted with the nation's well-being”. It is unfortunate that the tax payer's money is lost in angry exchange of words and walk-outs, and democracy has been reduced to a reality show.

The tumbling of one scandal after another from the UPA's cupboard, the WikiLeaks expose, corruption among politicians and political parties, scant respect for the will of people, absence of moral values in public life, clearly indicate that there is something dangerously wrong with India's way of functioning as a democratic Republic. Unfortunately, politicians have successfully converted Parliament into a mall to meet and have fun.

S. A. S. Sarma

Meaningful debate

The main function of Parliament in a democracy is to have a meaningful discussion on subjects of national interest and pass legislation for the welfare of the people.

This function is conveniently forgotten by the Opposition and the Government. If the Opposition is serious about conducting business, it should bring a no confidence motion against the Government and prove that it can form a better and stable government.

B. M. Bhide

Election freebies

While the offer of “rice at Rs 2 a kg”, announced by the Kerala Chief Minister, Mr V. S. Achuthanandan, six days before announcement of the poll dates, has been banned by the Election Commission in view of the model code of conduct and is under review by the Supreme Court, it is surprising that nothing has been done in adjoining Tamil Nadu, where Mr M. Karunanidhi and Ms J. Jayalalithaa are outdoing each other in promising freebies.

It is hoped the Election Commission will treat such offers as illegitimate and prevail in rendering justice without bias.

K. V. Mallan

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