Date:30/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/30/stories/2006063003571001.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

On V.P. Singh

This refers to the editorial "V.P. Singh — the man and his politics" (June 28) on the leader who struck a meticulous balance between position and principle, and never compromised his principles for post. His move of throwing open the corridor of power to the backward classes had a telling effect on the destiny of our nation.

S. Irudaya Selvaraj,
Chennai

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Mr. Singh's voice for the backward castes acted as a catalyst in triggering their social emancipation, especially in the BIMARU states.

Kasim Sait,
Chennai

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V.P. Singh, a man with a vision, divided Indian political history into pre-Mandal and post-Mandal era. He was the only Prime Minister who dared to discharge the constitutional obligation towards the backward classes though it cost him his job. His is perhaps the only name that will be written in history as one who exercised power to give the downtrodden their due share of power.

V.P. Ramesan,
Tripunithura, Kerala