The Election Commission is a neutral body vested with the constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections. It was right in seeking the President's intervention to rein in Salman Khurshid for his violation of the Model Code of Conduct (editorial, Feb. 14). Mr. Khurshid should have realised his responsibility, as not only a party leader but also a Cabinet Minister. Any challenge to the authority of a constitutional body is a setback to the cause of democracy and should be avoided.
Major Mathew
Oommen (retd.),
Pune
It is indeed ironical that a Minister responsible for ensuring law and justice is embroiled in a controversy with the Election Commission. His brazen defiance of the Model Code is condemnable. How can he promise a nine per cent sub-quota for the minorities in the event of the Congress assuming power in U.P.?
It is time political parties gave up their age-old practice of making bogus promises during elections.
Balram Aneja,
New Delhi
The editorial has rightly condemned the Minister. But Mr. Khurshid's contention that the promise of nine per cent sub-quota for minorities is only a conditional declaration of intent in the event of the Congress coming to power cannot be brushed aside.
That said, he should be asked to change his brazen attitude towards the Election Commission. It is important to respect the Commission and its judgment.
J. Venkat,
Cuddalore
