Prez speech partisan

This is in reference to the article by Kuldip Nayar "President needs to observe decorum" (February 5). In our view, Nayar has been circumspect in his observations. He should have taken the politically controversial statements head on and criticised them in a forthright manner.

We are of the opinion that this was the speech of a politically partisan President. The Congress has taken him out of politics but he has not been able to take politics out of him despite his elevation to this exalted chair! Such remarks are uncalled for and amount to using a neutral office to influence the voter.

By alluding to the whims of small groups, he has opposed the idea of a third front. He seems to have a complete disregard for the regional and cultural diversity of India. Exhorting people to prevent a fractured mandate is a direct attack on the plurality of India. The citizens must ponder over such blatant misuse of the President's office.

His statements on anarchy are a direct lift from the anti-AAP statements of the two major parties and will be taken as Presidential endorsement of that point of view. It is now apparent that people wish to change the rules of the game of politics so that their voice can be heard. The President should remember that the country very well knows the definition of ‘anarchy’. Anarchy happened in 1984 (Delhi) and 2002 (Gujarat) when the AAP was not even formed. Modern India is facing international and domestic terrorism, economic depression, price inflation and loss of morality in most of its politicians. The rule of law stands subverted and moral values have been seriously eroded.

The civil rights of women and children suffer blatant violations. The weak, the elderly and those living alone are robbed and killed everyday. This is one type of anarchy which we seem to have taken in our stride. But the country needs to reappraise the process of its governance.

Instead of indulging in politics, the President should guide the nation on how to meet the real challenges India faces.

Dr Kailash Chand, OBE, Dr Navdeep Singh Khaira, Ludhiana

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