It was heartening to read the report “Behind Robert Vadra’s fortune, a maze of questions” (Oct. 8) — a deep dive on the issue. The amount involved in the Vadra-DLF transaction is peanuts compared to the amounts involved in 2G and Coalgate but its importance lies in being symptomatic of how the ruling class has almost legalised crony capitalism and made impenetrable structures which further its interests.
Once again, the focus is on the need for an independent investigative agency which is outside the influence of power structures. Mr. Vadra’s case exemplifies what Anna Hazare and many others have been harping on — that in the current scheme of things, such individuals cannot be brought to book. Their acts will only encourage others to perpetrate bigger scams even as the majority struggles with basics like health and education.
Sankalp Pratap,
Kolkata
The charges against Mr. Vadra are serious as the evidence produced thus far is very specific in nature. It clearly shows that the issue needs to be investigated. Why did DLF give a soft loan of Rs 65 crore to Mr. Vadra is the most important question.
Ravi Viswa Teja
Repalle
The customary stoic silence of the Gandhi family will not do in this issue. Sonia Gandhi actually owes an explanation to the nation on how Mr. Vadra accumulated such a huge fortune in such a short time. One need not be an accounts student to understand that some irregularities have been committed in the accounting statements of Mr. Vadra’s companies.
Prasanna Krishnaraj,
Ernakulam
The common man is unable to get a loan of even Rs 1 lakh without answering many questions. But here is DLF giving a soft loan (“business advance”) of Rs. 65 crore to Mr. Vadra. In return for what is anybody’s guess. With our country yet to come to terms with 2G and Coalgate, we have another scam in waiting. What a shame!
R. Gurumurthy,
Chennai
The editorial “So many helping hands” (Oct. 8) echoes the views of millions. If the Congress and the BJP go soft on each other by turns to protect themselves, the common man’s mistrust in the political class will soon turn into total disdain. Instead of selectively endorsing or rubbishing anti-corruption activists, the two parties should work towards restoring the common man’s faith in politicians. Is it too much to ask?
S. Satyanarayan,
Coimbatore
The weak defence mounted by Mr. Vadra and Congress Ministers strengthens the suspicion about the business dealings of Mr. Vadra. A thorough probe should be ordered into the affairs involving DLF. There seems to be no end to the UPA’s woes.
G. Ramachandran,
Thiruvananthapuram
The editorial refers to the “coincidental rise of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s son-in-law Ranjan Bhattacharya” during the NDA’s six years in office. It is natural for businessmen to promote their business empires using their political connections. Businessmen are not public servants.
Let Arvind Kejriwal and his colleagues do something to fight the grey system and procedures that lead to the abuse of power by government officials and politicians who shower undue benefits on their favourite businessmen, and stop making allegations against businessmen just to come to politics.
We expected the politician in Mr. Kejriwal to be a new avatar in politics but he seems to be old wine in a new bottle.
T. Job Anbalagan,
Delhi
