One Chavan replacing another (editorial “Tale of two Chavans,” Nov. 11) as Chief Minister of Maharashtra might have helped the Congress stall the Opposition onslaught against it but for the common man, the move is nothing but an eyewash. Once the Adarsh housing scam vanishes from television screens and news headlines, the perpetrators will go scot free. Punishment will only be a token act to gain credibility.
Vinod Kumar,
Thiruvananthapuram
Allegations of corruption against politicians and government officials fail to surprise. It is common belief that they can be purchased and made to do your bidding if the price is right. Corruption doesn't seem to spare anyone and it is a matter of shame that the defence forces are involved. The Defence Minister must act swiftly to restore our confidence in the armed forces.
M.K.B. Nambiar,
Mahe
The Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society scam is relevant for two reasons (“Tracking the trail of manipulation,” Nov. 10). It has shown how material interest in public life can endanger national security and how callous a polity that does not act against the guilty is. Although there have been many scams, we are yet to see anyone punished for corruption. It shows that there are two sets of laws in India — one for the poor and the other for the rich and powerful.
Diksha Sharma,
Thanjavur
The article ends with the question: “But can the rot be removed merely by axing the Chief Minister?” The answer is a resounding ‘No'. The charade of an enquiry will not lead to any deterrent punishment. What is needed is this: demolish the building at the cost of the builder. If the law prevents such action, as six floors have been permitted, let the builder demolish the floors above them within a specified time-frame. The officials who gave permissions and no-objection certificates must be dismissed and fined/jailed. Educate citizens to be observant whenever they see a new construction, to report to the appropriate authorities if they have any suspicion, and encourage them to file PIL petitions.
Ramakrishnan,
Coimbatore
