Date:21/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/21/stories/2007062180001000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Advantage Pratibha

This refers to the editorial "When the numbers don't add up" (June 20). There is no doubt that the UPA presidential nominee, Pratibha Patil, will win the election. When the numbers of the NDA and the UNPA together cannot produce a winning total, what was the logic behind the UNPA proposing a third candidate? Is it not immaturity to decide upon a candidate and then wait in the queue to obtain his consent? The NDA and the UNPA should share the platform with the UPA to elect Ms. Patil as the first woman President.

R.M. Manoharan,
Chennai

* * *

The UPA and the Left parties arrived on Ms. Patil's candidature after consulting all their constituents and allies. There is little doubt about the final outcome. A widely respected politician like Bhairon Singh Shekhawat should not have allowed himself to be at the centre of an unfortunate and unpleasant controversy.

V.K. Sathyavan Nair,
Kottayam

* * *

When the Constitution does not prohibit a second term for a President, it appears illogical on the part of political parties to adopt the practice of not giving a President a second tenure in office. We believe that in a democracy, the wishes of the masses influence political parties but it appears that it is the wishes of the political leaders that are sought to be imposed on the masses today.

Rajasekaran Gopal,
New Delhi