Spectrum issue

The Hindu has exposed Kapil Sibal — who described the CAG report on the 2G spectrum allocation as “erroneous” — through a series of features on the editorial page (Jan. 12), which included a brilliant editorial (“Head in the sand”), an analytical article (“Sorry people, we're hanging up on you”) and a cartoon. Mr. Sibal should understand that accountability demands modesty and openness to criticism. The Congress should agree to the Opposition's demand for a comprehensive enquiry by a high-powered JPC, unless it wants to gift the reins of power on a platter to the BJP.

Chidambaram Kudiarasu,

Tuticorin

One wonders if Mr. Sibal has not been hasty in running to the defence of the government and his former Cabinet colleague. He might have wanted to express his solidarity with the Congress but his painstaking effort has become counter-productive for the UPA government's effort to save its face.

S.N. Krishnan,

Chennai

Many articles have been written on the 2G spectrum issue but the UPA government no longer seems to care. Mr. Sibal's criticism of the CAG report on the allocation of spectrum licences has become the latest focal point. The common man is anxious to know exactly how much loss the exchequer has incurred.

R. Lenin,

Chennai

Mr. Sibal's statement shows how much respect our parliamentarians have for democracy. Criticising the CAG not only undermines the parliamentary procedures but also amounts to contempt of the house.

The UPA government's reluctance to constitute a JPC to probe the 2G scam is puzzling. Why does a government that claims to stand for transparency resist a transparent probe?

Mudit Rai,

Ghaziabad

I am all for putting the telecom mess behind us. We are fooling ourselves by believing that the astronomical money — presumed to have been lost in the spectrum deal — would have solved many of our problems. A large portion of the sum, even if recovered, will be squandered away without accountability and without much benefit to the common man.

Hari Bhat,

Bangalore

I consider myself an educated citizen. So, I am perhaps able to see through the motives behind what many political leaders do and say. But what of the teeming millions who cannot subscribe to newspapers? Who do not even know how to read? Who take their decisions on the basis of which leader shouts the loudest, announces the greatest benefits, is most eloquent?

People are too greatly involved in their daily chores to see through leaders who appear before them in white when the elections are round the corner. Rice at Rs.2 a kg, says a leader. Free electricity, says another. Yet another announces support to those who want a separate state. That politics is no longer noble has been known for long but the extent to which it has deteriorated is appalling.

Kunal Ray,

Gandhinagar