Date:17/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/17/stories/2008091755971002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Inept handling

It is apparent that some senior leaders in the Congress and the UPA, besides the Opposition, want Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to step down for his inept handling of the terror threat. In this context, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi’s assertion that the suggestion is an attempt to create instability and the query how many times BJP leader L.K. Advani resigned after terror attacks when he was Home Minister are misplaced.

Mr. Patil’s exit will only emphasise and underscore the Congress’ moral resolve to relentlessly combat terrorism.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),

Palakkad

That Mr. Patil is in trouble is not at all surprising. In the first place, his appointment as Union Home Minister was against the people’s verdict. He came to power only because of his loyalty to the Congress.

Jaya Varma,

Pandalam

This refers to Mr. Patil’s statement that he enjoys the “full blessings” of his leader Sonia Gandhi. If he believes that just because he enjoys his leader’s blessings he need not perform as Minister, it is unfortunate. It is also an index of the seriousness with which our politicians discharge their duties. Mr. Patil would do well to emulate Lal Bahadur Shastri who resigned as Railway Minister after a train accident at Ariyalur.

R. Gurumurthy,

Chennai

Taking action against a few officials or sacking the Home Minister will not help in restoring the people’s confidence. If we lack the expertise to handle the situation, we should not hesitate to seek foreign assistance. If the situation continues, foreign investment too may decline in course of time.

E. Ramaswamy,

Chennai