The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Condemnable

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Saturday, Jul 04, 2009
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Condemnable

The incident involving Manda Jagannath, Congress MP from Nagarkurnool, who allegedly slapped the manager of the Grameen Vikas Bank, Ravinder Reddy, deserves to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Political interference in the functioning of banks is the main reason for public money lying un-recovered in the form of non-performing assets. That Mr. Jagannath has tendered an unconditional apology to Mr. Reddy, following the Congress high command’s swift action, is heartening.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Srirangam

* * *

The photo of Mr. Jagannath roughing up Mr. Reddy (July 2) was disturbing. Had Mr. Reddy been the manager of a commercial bank, all the trade unions would have protested strongly. The MP has reportedly tendered an unconditional apology. But can an apology undo the mental agony suffered by the manager? The behaviour of politicians leaves much to be desired. Unless strict action is taken against those behaving in a high-handed manner, such incidents will continue to take place.

R. Balakrishnan,

Chennai

* * *

There have been reports of undue interference by politicians in the working of banks, particularly with respect to loan disbursements. If a manager is indifferent or rude to the public, action can be taken through the district-level bankers committee. As a representative of the people, an MP does not enjoy the privilege of taking him to task in public. The Speaker should consider initiating action against MPs who venture to take the law into their hands.

C.P. Velayudhan Nair,

Kochi

* * *

Political interference badly affects the day-to-day functioning of banks and the loan recovery process. Politicians who influence bankers to release loans hardly take any initiative to help them recover the money.

Karunakar Rao,

Hyderabad

* * *

Mr. Jagannath has described the incident as “unfortunate.” It has become a practice for politicians to indulge in unacceptable behaviour and term them “unfortunate” when they are exposed. Can an ordinary citizen hope to get away after doing the same?

N. Manikya Ram,

Karimnagar

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