The Hindu : Elections 2004

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 22, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Elections 2004

Sir, — Candidates contesting as independents cause unnecessary expenditure like printing of large ballot papers and connected election materials. Increasing the security deposit for such candidates, which the Commission is contemplating, is welcome. It will discourage non-serious candidates from contesting.

J. Kumaran,
Chennai

Sir, — The E.C. has failed to study the root cause of Independents forfeiting their security deposits. There are so many disadvantages that the Independents suffer. For instance, symbols are allotted to them only after their nomination papers are accepted, by which time other parties are well into campaigning. Many such factors need to be gone into instead of enhancing the security deposit amount.

N. Subramaniyam,
Tiruchi, T.N.

Sir, — The murder of the Andhra Pradesh Minister Mani Kumari's husband by naxalites should be universally condemned. The selective and serial killings by the PW of political activists, destruction of public property and threats of more such heinous acts have assumed alarming proportions. With elections round the corner, the Centre and the E.C. should ensure that parties are free to carry on poll-related activities and voters able to vote without fear.

Rajagopalan K. Ananthachari,
Hyderabad

Sir, — Vinay Katiyar's remarks against Sonia Gandhi on her foreign origin have taken electioneering to an all time low. Since any personalised attacks are against the Model Code of Conduct, instead of seeking an apology from the Prime Minister, the Congress should approach the E.C. or the courts to get Mr. Katiyar disqualified from contesting.

Krishnan,
Palakkad, Kerala

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