CEC appointment
Riding roughshod over the other pillars of democracy has been the practice of the government of the day. As the face off between the executive and the judiciary is well known, the manner of the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner of India is likely to invite the ire of the top court.
Prabhu Raj R.,
Bengaluru
The Congress party seems to be barking up the wrong tree. It is inappropriate for the judiciary to be involved in executive appointments and the sanctity of each pillar of democracy has to be maintained. It would be more appropriate for the Congress to engage with the government in the spirit of collaboration.
Sridhar S.,
Bengaluru
Amid fervour, filth
It was deeply concerning to read that the Central Pollution Control Board, in its report to the National Green Tribunal, has recorded “high levels of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta)” in river water at the Kumbh (February 18). It remains to be seen how the government will respond. Will it take this report seriously or dismiss it, with blind followers condemning the NGT?
N. Nagarajan,
Secunderabad
It is alarming that there is high contamination at Prayagraj. It poses a serious threat to human health. Perhaps devotees need to have a proper health check after they return.
Akhilesh Krishnan,
Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Wealth case, the message
Why people are greedy and avaricious to accumulate property, both movable and immovable, when they know that not even a smidgen out of their illegal earnings can be carried along with them when they shed their mortal coils is baffling. It is ironic that former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa amassed wealth and property when there are a number of ancient sayings in Tamil that highlight the need for a corruption-free life, leading to contentment. The political class must note that simple living and high thinking add lustre to one’s high position in life (February 16).
Mani Nataraajan,
Chennai
The list was shocking — 27 kg of gold jewellery, 1,526 acres of land in several districts, bank deposits worth ₹10 crore, a golden waist belt, a crown and a sword, to name just a few. One only hopes that the proceeds from the sale of confiscated “assets” are utilised for the benefit of those in need in the rural areas. There needs to be a clear message sent to those in public life from this case.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai
War and peace
The Russia-Ukraine war has become the focal point of global jostling. The Ukrainian President appears firm in protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. One waits to see whether there will be a resolution to the satisfaction of all sides.
R.K. Jain,
Barwani, Madhya Pradesh
Published – February 19, 2025 12:24 am IST