Speaker Sumitra Mahajan went strictly by the rule book, legal advice and precedent >in denying the Congress the post of Leader of the Opposition . The ruling party has missed a golden opportunity to be gracious. Had the Congress been given the post, the prestige of the House would have been enhanced. Such a gesture would have set a good precedent to rely upon when no Opposition party gets 10 per cent seats in the Lok Sabha.
D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore
In cricket, the longer the third umpire takes to decide on an appeal, the more the chances of the batsman getting the benefit of doubt. The percentage of votes polled by the Congress in the Lok Sabha election should have helped the Speaker decide on the LoP post for the party, especially since the matter has been under discussion for quite some time. In the absence of large-hearted leaders, the decision comes as no surprise. But in a democracy, no ruling party can destroy the Opposition by invoking rules and traditions.
P. Haridas,
Chennai
The BJP’s game plan is obvious. A series of important appointments requires the approval of both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The ruling dispensation has effectively kept the Opposition out of the process. The grip of the BJP and its men over most strategic posts is complete. Ache din for democracy?
Keluchandra Menon,
Kochi
Mr. Modi said he would govern not by majority but by consensus. But the Speaker has denied the Congress the LoP post. Of course, she had the power under the rules to do so. One wonders how the BJP is a party with a difference when it has done a Congress all over again.
Kumar Abhishek,
New Delhi
