President should rise above political divisions
Sir, It is not becoming of our politicians that they are unable to set aside petty politics even when electing the President. Neither the ruling UPA ,nor the opposition NDA is in a position to bet on a candidate. And to make their task more difficult there is now a Third Front, which is in a position to tilt the balance. It is not clear why a politician is required for the job when a President does not take any political decision independent of the Union Cabinet’s advice. As the political parties firm up their plans, the people can only hope that the candidate they finally choose is one that can instil confidence among them as an upholder of the Constitution, a person of integrity, knowledge and wisdom, who can rise above political divisions when the need arises.
 J S ACHARYA
Hyderabad

Breath of fresh air
Sir, The Election Commission has announced that the presidential elections will be held on July 19 and votes will be counted two days later. However, the candidates proposed by the two opposing coalitions are unexciting. There will be excitement if, for instance, 'Rajini', the Superstar of South India, is pitted against Amitabh. Or Hemamalini, the dream girl standing against Aishwarya Rai. It would bring a breath of fresh air to the suffocating heat wave prevailing in the country.
V S Venkatavaradan
Salem

A hidden agenda
Sir, Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Rajashekar Reddy wants to bring in an ordinance giving 5 per cent reservation for Muslims in education and government employment once again, in spite of the refusal to the proposals by the judiciary in 2004 (DH, June 12). His argument is that it was an election promise and as per the Sachar Committee report. Actually even enlightened and cultured Muslims are against reservations.
The hidden agenda of the Congress is to keep the Muslims in good humour for the next two years before the assembly elections. 
B S Ganesh
Bangalore

Market-based package
Sir, It is heartening to note that “Market-based relief package” is being worked out by the BMRC for those affected by the alignment of the metro rail.
This would make rehabilitation or resettlement less painful. Such a compensation package needs to be offered quickly and adequately. Kudos to BMRC for its progressive approach.
D B N Murthy
Bangalore

Police turn a blind eye
Sir, I was reading the article on “Road Rage”(DH Metro page, June 11). Though the article is covers the present situation comprehensively, it did not highlight the failure on the part of the police department to enforce the rules strictly.
We take notice of many violations only if it appears in the print media or television. Is prevention better than cure or cure itself is better? I fail to understand why the police turn a blind eye when the violations are taking place daily in front of their eyes.
Rajesh
Bangalore

Guidance is adequate
Sir, Is it so important to have a foreign coach for team India?
Greg Chappel must have conveyed the trials and tribulations of coaching the prima donnas of Indian cricket to those in the business. At this level, guidance and advice from a respected person with a good knowledge of the game  is adequate for the players. The BCCI never seems to learn from its mistakes and continues in its wishy-washy and directionless ways.
Shanmugam Mudaliar
Pune