Left’s rejection of nuke deal insignificant
Sir, The categorical rejection of 123 draft agreement by the communists is going to prove as another case of sound and fury signifying nothing.
The UPA government is well aware of the fact that the opinion of either coalition partners or the opposition is of no consequence at all, as it is not obliged to seek their or parliament's approval for signing the deal. Also, the left parties dare not attempt to destabilise the government, as it will be counter- productive to their own interests and political survival.
All the tall talk of exercising control and playing the role of watchdog on the government's activities and actions are merely empty threats. The government understands this only too well. That is why even a so-called weak prime minister is able to assert with vehemence, against all opposition, that 123 agreement will not be re-negotiated. Whether this is in the country's interest or not only the future will clarify.
H R Bapu Somasekhar
Bangalore
Calm after the storm
Sir, As usual there is total calm after the storm about Bangalore’s terrorist link. While the story about Dr Mohammed Haneef was blown out of proportion by the media and the government, the public does not know much about the Kafeel and Sabeel Ahmeds, their terrorist links and training.
We are quick in blaming Australian government instead of doing our home work. It is the responsibility of the government to probe deep into the matter and unearth the truth before it is too late.
P V Tantry
Bangalore
Deserving award
Sir, Veteran film maker Shyam Benegal has been bestowed with the prestigious Dada Sahib Phalke award for the year 2005. It is a good news for those who stand for realistic cinema.
His movies proved to be a turning point in Indian film industry. Many of today’s top ranking actors including Shabana Azmi and Nasruddin Shah have initially associated with him. Kudos to Benegal.
K Ragavan
Sharjah, UAE
Suo motu powers
Sir, There is a move to confer suo motu powers on the Lokayukta to conduct raids on corrupt officials. If one looks at the history of raids one would be surprised to find the considerations that prompted such raids which were clearly other than corruption. To be explicit, considerations of caste, creed, region, language play a vital role in determining the targets. In view of this, the legislature should re-think on this issue.
Subbaiah Reddy
Nagarabhavi
Dhoni as captain
Sir, The appointment of Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain of the Indian cricket team by the BCCI for the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa deserves accolades and augurs well for the overall growth of Indian cricket.
This swashbuckling and flamboyant cricketer hailing from the small town of Ranchi in Jharkhand has warmed the cockles of millions of Indian cricket fans with great gusto with his exceptionally explosive batting and good wicket-keeping skills. There is none deserving better than Dhoni who can lead this nation in Twenty20 format of cricket.
Vipin Nambiar M K
Bangalore
Handling waste
Sir, The discovery of three bags containing seven foetuses in a drainage on Sunday has attracted much media attention. It was found to be due to dumping of bio-medical waste along with municipal waste. It is high time that the hospital authorities and the government work together for proper disposal of this waste to prevent spread of diseases.
Dr Prashanth S Murthy
Chickaballapur
