Upper House elections

It is disheartening to learn that cross-voting and even money power marred the Rajya Sabha polls (“With win in 11 seats, BJP gains muscle in Rajya Sabha”, June 12). It is anybody’s conjecture how the

Rajya will now be. If ends justify the means in elections, then they become meaningless and questionable. But then, this is Indian democracy.

S. Ramakrishnasayee,Ranipet, Tamil Nadu

The BJP trying to stall Kapil Sibal’s election, the Congress trying its best to stop the BJP, and reports of cross-voting make me wonder whether we are really a democratic nation, and where politicians are elected to enable the welfare of the nation (“BJP strategy fails, Sibal goes to Rajya Sabha”, June 12). We the people seem to have voted on the basis of caste, religion and party than for honest and illustrious candidates. Finally, it appears that the BJP just needs numbers in the Rajya Sabha to carry forward its agenda.

T. Anand Raj,

Chennai

If the Rajya Sabha is nothing more than a repository for prominent names or for politicians past their sell-by date or, more troubling, those possessed of the wherewithal to command or draw in the votes of MLAs, has not the time come to question its utility? Perhaps the answer lies in a reform of the manner and method of choosing members. First, abandon appointed members. Second, make all remaining members popularly elected. Since the Rajya Sabha is representative of the State, let each have two members (or some other number to be determined by the reform process but equal for each State) and let the members be chosen by popular vote. The term of membership need not be altered. Lastly, the question which ought to be asked is whether or not bicameralism is necessary. Various jurisdictions around the world find unicameralism quite adequate.

Kamala Menon,Secunderabad