Pragmatic approach

“Time for introspection on all sides” (Business Line, August 19) is a balanced and mature presentation. There isn't any doubt that Dr Manmohan Singh & Co has handled the issue of corruption badly. The entire mess could have been avoided, had the Government taken a pragmatic approach and included the Opposition during negotiations, especially after burning its fingers in the Baba Ramdev case. This is a case of bad advice, worse approach and worst execution. Having said that, Team Anna's view that its version of the Lokpal alone is the solution does not appear to be fair either. While the “war on corruption” is more than justified, a practical approach instead of rigid postures on either side can save the situation.

R. Varadarajan

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Restoring confidence

This is with reference to the article “The real foreign hand backing Anna” ( Business Line , August 20). I agree with the author that it is not wise to listen to conspiracy theories on foreign hands influencing Anna Hazare's movement. The US, with its debt downgraded and unemployment at 9.1 per cent, is almost at a tipping point of facing a double-dip recession. On the other side of the Atlantic, the euro-zone countries are facing fiscal pressures and bank contagions. Given low-yields and dismal growth prospects everywhere, India is an attractive destination for foreign investors.

However, governance deficit is rocking the nation with scams unfolding one after another. The absence of political leadership is evident from the arrest of Anna Hazare. Additionally, the red tape surrounding land acquisitions, environmental clearances, and so on, scare away foreign investors. While a strong Lokpal Bill is essential, it cannot be a panacea for all the hindrances in setting up or investing in a business.

We need to urgently strengthen our fledgling institutions that should provide not only transparency but also bring back investor confidence. Will our politicians wake up?

Varad Seshadri

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