Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Youth brigade

The article "Awaiting the charge of the youth brigade" (Nov. 23) was interesting. It sees the presence of 231 first-time MPs as a bright spot. But most of these MPs are not in the Lok Sabha by virtue of their merit. They are sons, daughters or wives of older politicians. To them politics is about waving to the people gathered, or arranged to gather, and getting elected to positions of power.

Their presence in the Lok Sabha is a reflection of our political parties' autocratic style of functioning. The young brigade may look unimpressive today. But do not ask where they have all gone because they will reappear as rulers tomorrow. Our democracy accepts that which is imposed on it.

N. Devanand,
Aroor, Kerala

* * *

The article says only a few MPs have made a mark in more than two years. It is not at all surprising. The MPs were elected not for their skill or knowledge, but because they happen to be sons or daughters of a present or former Central or State Minister or a political heavyweight.

T. Vasanthi,
Chidambaram

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