Date:14/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/14/stories/2008031455661000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Meghalaya politics

The editorial “Blatant partisanship” (March 13) is enlightening. Governor S.S. Sidhu should have invited the post-coalition, 31-strong Meghalaya Progressive Alliance to form a government. As correctly pointed out, the Constitution does not bestow on the single largest party, in this case the Congress, an automatic right to be invited to form a government.

Political parties violating all parliamentary conventions are responsible for bringing the entire system under pressure and burdening the judiciary with absolutely avoidable litigation. The Congress, with a string of losses, is further losing sympathy among the people.

R. Gangadhara Sastry,
Anantapur

When the MPA has 31 members against the Congress’ 25, inviting the latter to form the government is nothing but a browbeating exercise and an act prejudicial to the interests of democracy. By doing so, Governor Sidhu has not only erred but also kept the door open for horse-trading.

T. Selvaraj,
Chennai

The Governor has rightly asked the leader of the single largest party to form the government. Post-electoral alliances are opportunistic, and bereft of ideological cohesion and a common minimum programme.

P.V. Ramanarao,
Guntur

The Supreme Court’s refusal to pass any order on the writ petition challenging Governor Sidhu’s decision is welcome. Much horse-trading could take place between now and the day of the floor test but that is politics. As the judges have observed, elected members are honourable men and should be trusted.

D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore

It is nothing but action replay in Meghalaya. The Governors are appointed on the recommendation of the party in power at the Centre. Since they are either partymen or party favourites, their allegiance rests with the party rather than the Constitution.

They protect party interests even at the cost of propriety of the constitutional office they hold. The situation cannot change unless the process of appointing Governors is changed.

M.C. Joshi,
Lucknow