MUTHUKANNU PAGES

The poll result of Karnataka much expected to be an acid test for the Congress in view of the oncoming Parliamentary Elections in 2009 would not shatter its hopes. In a sense, it has improved its performance at the cost of Janata Dal(secular). Mr.Dewa Gowda's moves with the B.J.P., however, in the last ministry has not gone well with the people. As a result suffered erosion in it's strength. Figures like ,Vattal Nagaraj, and Bangarappa do not have their stakes they commanded earlier and their stature seems have gone to Mr. Yeddyuruppa, the C.M.elect, particularly after the Hoegnekkal -Show, he led. The verdict totally not in support of the saffron-brigade and people have given a fractured verdict. Only wafer thin majority is dispensed to the B.J.P. and the opposition combine together is nearly matching the figure of more than 100 would be a healthy situation, where issues concerning the State and the people can be vociferously and effectivly put forth. It is appropriate that th...

Sir, The Article by SEEMA MUSTAFA , Dated 9th February,2008, on the approach to Women's Reservation Bill. The author has stated that" all found excuses to stop this......that OBC and Dalit women should be given special privileges, and cannot be equated with all women.".The argument put forth by the supporters of providing inner reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward in the Caste System, i.e.for OBC women and Dalit women. All are women, no doubt.Equating upper caste women on par with the OBCc and Dalita, reveals our ignorance of the existing socio-economic and political realities in Society.Within the Family, no doubt women of all castes are oppressed and discriminated.But it cannot be advanced as an argument for this concrete situation, to suggest a race among unequals for a place in Legislatures and Parliaments under Reservation. Yours faithfully, M.Muthukannu 09.02.08. Puducherry.

Sir, The Editorial,"Lies Galore", dated 25th instant has brought out enlightening news item from the independent initiative of Journalism Institutions of the largest Democracy.As a Tamil saying goes ' a liar by his command will turn lies into truth' (poyyudai oruvan sol vanmaiyaal mei polume, mei polume), the Head of a State committed to democratic values lied 935 times in just two years not only to his Nation but also to the World Community including the U.N. smacks of integrity and decency.The untold sufferings to Iraqis and the American Soldiers in an endless conflagration and cobweb of violence are very bad precedents that may sometime recoil on the Invaders, sooner or later.It would also be better in India for the Fourth Estate to emulate such studies in the interest of safeguarding our Democracy. Yours faithfully, M.Muthukannu. Puducherry. 27.01.2008.

Gujarat Chief Minister-Modi,s visit to Chennai on the invitation of Cho-Thuglak, yesterday evoked strong condemnation from secular and democratic forces in TamilNadu. In the Meeting, he said to have thundered that secularism in the Country has changed' color' with the times and" today it means hate Hindus." "Earlier it was said secularism was religious harmony.It changed color to get sympathy for minorities, then for appeasement of minorities and later for a Muslim vote bank.Today it means hate the Hindus votes." While detailing the project of quick underlaying of 1400 K.M. pipe lines for bringing Narmada river for Gujarat, he also said, that "The pipe is so huge that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister with all his family members can travel through it in a car". Again he stated, while referring to inclusive growth in the country, a mass movement should be launched and added that to achieve development in that direction, 100 crore people of this co...

As one understands, so far, a candidate from the South, is nominated to the election of the highest office in India. In order to strike a balance this has been, i think, has been adopted till last time.But, what considerations have been examined in deciding the choice of the presidential candidate now is not known. Though the reasons came out in the media seems justifiable, the inner confabulations could not be clearly understood.The last minute parleys and projection by the 'third formation' is a late affair. Even the B.J.P's overture to drop Shekhawat in favour of A.P.J.Kalam is a delayed thinking.While the opinion of the people is for a people-friendly President as a candidate for the second term, the formations of whatever hue should have seized the opprtunity before hand instead of the last minute effort to convince the President for a second term. The President is categorical in asserting on Saturday," it is not apolitical process when we elect a President.I do n...