Opinion - Letters to the Editor

An Indian first

Sir, — The NDA presidential candidate, Abdul Kalam, represents hard work, intelligence, academic excellence and dedication to the cause of the nation. He should be seen as such and any attempt to portray him as a Muslim President would be an insult to his spirit of Indianness. His selection should not be seen as a bid to mollify or appease the Muslim community.

K. Malikul Azeez,
Chennai

Sir, — The Muslim Personal Law Board has rejected Dr. Kalam's candidature. Some Muslim organisations have also expressed similar sentiments on the ground that he lacks the requisite experience and talent to shoulder the onerous responsibilities of the nation's highest post. They have alleged that the parties in power are indulging in tokenism to appease the minorities in the backdrop of the Gujarat carnage. The board members should not overstep their role. They do not represent the hopes and aspirations of the Muslim masses in the country and cannot claim to be speaking on their behalf.

G. Azeemoddin,
Anantapur, A.P

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• An Indian first
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