Unceremonious exit
The Vice-President’s office, once a symbol of parliamentary balance, is now seen as a new front in partisan conflict. In our constitutional design, neutrality in high offices is not optional but foundational. Yet, this principle has been steadily eroding, perhaps more rapidly of late. Neutrality in constitutional roles ensures institutional trust and continuity. Without it, governance risks becoming a series of political skirmishes fought through institutions meant to rise above them.
R. Narayanan,
Navi Mumbai
Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation is a shock. The conspicuous absence of the ceremonial send-off and farewell speeches for him is an unhappy development given his standing as a constitutional authority. As such, parties across the political spectrum should refrain from getting into a political slugfest over his resignation. Instead, they should facilitate the process of the election of the next Vice-President of India.
G. Ramasubramanyam,
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Tamil Nadu politics
In an interview in this daily, (‘Tamil Nadu’ page, July 22), Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who is the AIADMK General Secretary, Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu and also former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, has asserted that his party would return to power and form the government on its own next year. Even though it is the AIADMK’s major alliance partner, the BJP is not a strong force. However, there is a strong possibility of its popularity rising in Tamil Nadu on account of its efficient governance at the Centre.
But Mr. Palaniswami’s ambition to capture power and rule solely will not be realised unless he takes steps to enlarge the spectrum of his political alliance. Anti-incumbency votes will move to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam headed by actor Vijay and the beneficiary will be the DMK despite its mediocre performance.
K. Chellappan,
Seattle, U.S.
The electoral ties forged between the BJP and the AIADMK do not seem to be working well (Editorial and ‘Data Point’, both July 23). The AIADMK is finding it hard to convince the people that it will not allow the saffron party to swallow it up. It is a “catch-22 situation” for the AIADMK, as stated in the ‘Data Point’. It cannot be seen to be with a party that speaks ill of Tamil Nadu’s illustrious leaders. Neither can it sever ties with the BJP for fear of central agencies being unleashed on its leaders. The AIADMK lacks the political heft and the ideological conviction to stand up to the BJP.
G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Published – July 24, 2025 12:24 am IST
