Date:05/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/05/stories/2005090501131002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

The Chidambarams

It seems the Opposition has got another trivial issue to blow out of proportion. Nalini Chidambaram, an independent professional, need not take her husband's permission to offer her professional services to anyone. Even assuming that she accepted the brief on behalf of the Income Tax department that comes under Finance Minister P. Chidambaram with his knowledge, it is nothing to get excited about. She only meant to represent it, not deliver the verdict.

D. Antony Vimal Venmani,
Chennai

The point is not whether Mr. Chidambaram was aware of his wife accepting the brief till the issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha. If his plea of ignorance is accepted, other Ministers and bureaucrats, who audaciously commit acts of impropriety, will plead ignorance and escape the consequences.

D.A.S. Balan,
Tindivanam, T.N.

It is Ms. Chidambaram's prerogative to take up an assignment of her choice. The nation cannot afford to lose an efficient Finance Minister to suit the whims and fancies of politicians.

S. Sindhumathi,
Chennai