Is Opposition credible?

Sir, - Your Editorial, `A question of credibility' (March 23) in which you have disapprovingly quoted the former Defence Minister from his statement on DD: Our Constitution has given us a Parliament to enable our honourable MPs to discuss, debate and arrive at an informed decision according to well-laid procedures evolved over a period of time.

Instead of playing the game according to rules it is sad that our elected representatives in the Opposition have chosen to stall the proceedings in Parliament and have been staging demonstrations outside Parliament House in the manner of militant industrial labour to force the Government to resign.

This shows their utter contempt for democracy and the august body. This is the way I feel as an impartial non-partisan citizen. And Mr. Fernandes has given expression to the same feeling in plain language. It is therefore difficult for me to understand how it is imperious or arrogant.

C. P. Srinivasan,

Chennai

Sir, - It is sheer discrimination on the part of the Information and Broadcasting Minister not to allow the Opposition parties to air their views in the same way as the Government has been allowed. The argument put forward that the Prasar Bharathi is not under her control is unconvincing.

Mr. George Fernandes was given full liberty to mount criticism of the Opposition from Doordarshan and explain his version. Ms. Sushma Swaraj and Mr. Fernandes fought tooth and nail against the Emergency when the right to freedom of expression was curbed. Today when they are on the other side of the fence they behave and act worse than Indira Gandhi did.

Sanjay Kumar,

New Delhi

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