Editor,
Election Commission in its affidavit filed in the Supreme Court has proposed that those accused of offences punishable with at least five years in jail be barred from contesting elections after a court frames charges against them and if the case is registered at least six months prior to the election. Now with the shocking report of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) revealing that as many as 11 out of total 31 state Chief Ministers in the country have criminal cases registered against them, it is imperative that the Central government accept the recommendations instead of waiting for directions from the Apex Court. Unfortunately every poll-reform of this type comes only after the Supreme Court’s directions with no government of any alliance or party serious for probity in public life.
It is time for a consolidated move to eliminate wrong-doers from being poll-contestants. Defaulters of public-dues should be barred from contesting the next elections or holding any official post till all dues are cleared. Those not entitled to government accommodations should vacate them. It is a shame that even persons occupying the high positions of Prime Minister are defaulters of dues for use of Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts for non-official purposes. Every post-retirement benefit including government-accommodation, pension, secretariat etc should be snatched forever from former Prime Ministers in case of default at the time of demitting the office.
Yours etc.,
Madhu Agrawal
Guinness Record Holder for letters in newspapers)
Delhi – 6
Your vote counts!
Editor
Meghalaya is soon going to the polls but there is a lot confusion about who to vote for and who to with our votes. It is a fact that Meghalaya needs all-round development and for this we voters have a big role to play. Should we vote a political party, which is strong? Or should we vote someone who is from our caste or religion? Should we go with what the media wants us to believe? Or should we actually think for a few minutes before casting our votes because those votes will determine the kind of government we will have in the next five years. Hence introspection before voting is necessary. Our votes are a reflection of our own informed opinions hence we should not be influenced by others in this aspect. We should not let people manipulate our thoughts or push in their narrow agenda in our minds. We need to be aware of what is happening in our constituency and our state and vote for those who have the vision to bring change. My request to all voters is to please think before you vote, because, your vote counts.
Your etc..
Asha Kumari Rai
Student, NEHU (M.Com)
Shillong 7
Change in traffic routes!
Editor,
I would like to bring to your notice that the new road from Oakland to Polo Towers was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister to ease the traffic on the main thorough fare which is used for various destinations.The Chief Minister had assured the residents that there will be no charge in the route which is meant for two ways.
But recently the Traffic Police have arbitrarily changed the traffic rules and the said route has been made one way {from Oakland to Polo) and parking has been allowed which has put the residents coming from Polo to Oakland and Police Bazar to great difficulties including wastage of time. Not only this, but even other areas in Police Bazar have been changed for reasons best known to the Traffic Police which takes decisions without assessing the impact of the change in traffic rules. I request the Police Chief to kindly look into the matter and do the needful for the easy movement of traffic from Police Bazar to Polo.
Yours etc.,
Shankar Lal Singhania
Shillong-1