Don't settle scores

Sir, - The articles by Ms. Neena Vyas (Aug. 5) and Mr. Harish Khare (Aug. 4) echo the questions in the minds of many about the NDA's style of governance. Plagued by scams, the NDA Government and the Prime Minister have done little to convince the people about their sense of responsibility towards the nation. The Prime Minister and some senior Ministers often spend time convincing their coalition partners but little do they do to live up to the expectations of the electorate.

As Ms. Neena Vyas rightly suggests, all the scams have been brushed under the carpet and no effort has been taken to control the damage. We are yet to see decisive actions to boost our economy, instead bureaucrats not in the good books of the NDA face a hasty transfer. But the BJP goes the whole hog when it comes to appeasing a coalition partner - rules, conventions and customs are given the go by, as was seen in the recent juggling of IPS/IAS officers. The Union Ministers and Chief Ministers should concentrate more in serving the country than settling scores.

L. Anand,

Chennai

Sir, - While your Editorial ``Accountability needed, not Theatrics'' (Aug. 1) was an excellent analysis of the Prime Minister's obligations vis-a- vis any crisis management within his party and in the Cabinet and to ensure that the Cabinet chosen by him functions in a coherent and disciplined manner, any threats of resignation, after having allowed too much grass to grow under his feet, betrays chronic lack of self-confidence. Keshav has done one better with his `Berth-Against- Resignation...' pocket cartoon. It is time our Prime Minister asserted his authority and pulled up his errant ministerial colleagues and bureaucrats.

N. Jayaram,

Ayikudy, TN

Sir, - Your Editorial ``Accountability needed'' (Aug. 1) is a timely warning not only to the Central Government but to all coalition Governments in various States. Of late, the NDA has become a `choultry' with parties coming in and going out. The pulls and pushes were there right from the days of Ms. Jayalalithaa who brought down the Vajpayee Government for partisan ends. Ever since, the Trinamool Congress, the PMK and others have also been using pressure. Of course, the TDP is also doing its bit. The various scams, peaking with the UTI fiasco, proved to be the last straw on the camel's back. No wonder Mr. Vajpayee could not take any more. But the question is who prevented him from taking any serious action?

V. Sundaresan

Hyderabad

Sir, - This is with reference to the report `PM offers to resign' and `NDA reaffirms faith in PM' (Aug. 1 & 2). That the Prime Minister declaring his intention to step down and retracting his decision within 24 hours is really a farce. His inability to lead the NDA in a cohesive manner was cited as the cause for the sudden decision. What prompted Mr. Vajpayee to retrace his step is not known.

It is widely reported in the media that an alliance partner's allegation about the involvement of the PMO in the UTI scandal was the reason. Is the PMO innocent in the UTI scandal? The country expects an emphatic answer.

Gopalan Thayyil,

Palakkad, Kerala

Sir, - I refer to your Editorial on the UTI scandal. When T(rust) is lost, U and I alone suffer.

S.A. Sreenivasa Sarma,

Hyderabad

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