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Next Rashtrapati

This refers to the article “Electing Pratibha Patil the next Rashtrapati” (July 4). One fails to understand what the NDA is trying to achieve by defaming Ms. Patil. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the independent candidate it is backing, has no chance of winning the election and the people are becoming increasingly indifferent to its cheap tactics. In fact, such cheap gimmicks will drive even the BJP’s staunch supporters away from it. It is obvious that its actions are driven by helplessness.

L. Santhosh,
Bangalore

* * *

The article’s defence of Ms. Patil is a rehash of the arguments that have been doing the rounds in the media circuit in the last few days. If close relatives of a candidate have been implicated in shady financial dealings and alleged crimes, it is not the candidate’s fault. But what is wrong in bringing the information to the notice of the people, given that relatives benefit from the power and glory flowing from the authority of a high office? Ms. Patil has been asked some questions and she must answer them straight.

Dilip Rao,
Bangalore

* * *

It is unfortunate that the presidential election has been reduced to the level of a road show. Political parties have been indulging in verbal duels for long. Unlike our neighbouring countries where democracy is a sham, Indian democratic institutions have successfully withstood the toughest tests. The ongoing political bickering has the potential to lower the eminence of the highest constitutional post and damage the office irreparably. Sadly, the NDA and the Third Front have politicised the election from day one with a vengeance.

Bichu Muttathara,
Pune

* * *

In a democracy, a contest is inevitable for an elected post. It cannot, therefore, be argued that the presidential election has been politicised.

R. Murali Kumar,
Srirangam

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