07-21-2008, 05:10 AM
The trust vote
<b>
Even if the UPA government survives the floor test on July 22, it cannot be construed as Parliamentâs approval for the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal. Similarly, if it is defeated it cannot be taken as disapproval of the deal. Because most of our MPs are not voting on the deal. Horse-trading is so rampant that the side which can muster the needed strength by hook or by crook is set to win.</b>
A. Gajanana,
Bangalore
* * *
<b>
The fact remains that most of our MPs are not even aware of what the nuclear deal is all about. </b>That apart, even if an MP believes that the deal is in the interest of the nation, he cannot cast his vote as he pleases. The merit of the main issue is secondary to the wish of the party high command.
C.K. Prem Kumar,
Palakkad
* * *
<b>
Never in the history of independent India has a government risked its existence on a foreign policy issue.</b> The Congress owes an explanation on how nuclear energy will make India self-sufficient in energy. Can it assure us that the U.S. will not use nuclear fuel as a strategic weapon? Will not India be more dependent on foreign fuel than it is today?
S. Sriram,
Bangalore
* * *
That the MPs are being wooed by the UPA for support is all over the media. If the government survives and some small parties are rewarded with Cabinet berths, will it not amount to a constitutional offence?
Can ministerial posts be traded for votes?
S.G. Venkataramani,
Chennai
* * *
Trust or faith is something that has to come spontaneously from oneâs heart. This is applicable to all walks of life, including politics. The way in which the political parties of all hues are gearing up for the confidence vote scheduled for July 22 is reflective of anything but âtrust.â
S. Ramakrishnasayee,
Ranipet
* * *
The Lok Sabha is set to decide the fate of the UPA government on July 22. If it wins the trust vote, the nuclear deal will stay. What happens to the deal if the UPA is voted out? Is it in auto drive or will it die with the fall of the government? If it is to die, why is the government talking to the IAEA and the NSG?
Governments will come and go but the nuclear deal will have a far-reaching effect on the future of our country. The Lok Sabha should, therefore, discuss the deal dispassionately and objectively and decide its fate independent of the UPAâs future.
Lt. Col. H.S. Gur (retd.),
Hisar
* * *
This is with reference to media reports of betting on the trust vote. It is shocking to see some television news channels openly talking about it. How can people indulge in such activities with impunity?
V. Pratap,
Chennai
* * *
<b>
It is clear that the smaller political parties want to be on the winning side, which is why they are meeting both sides and keeping their cards close to their chest. They are least bothered about the nuclear deal and concerned only with their agenda. At this rate, we should not be surprised if our next Prime Minister belongs to a regional party. <span style='color:red'>The mushrooming of small parties poses the million dollar question: how safe is Indiaâs future?</span></b>
B.L. Shivakumar,
Coimbatore
<b>
Even if the UPA government survives the floor test on July 22, it cannot be construed as Parliamentâs approval for the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal. Similarly, if it is defeated it cannot be taken as disapproval of the deal. Because most of our MPs are not voting on the deal. Horse-trading is so rampant that the side which can muster the needed strength by hook or by crook is set to win.</b>
A. Gajanana,
Bangalore
* * *
<b>
The fact remains that most of our MPs are not even aware of what the nuclear deal is all about. </b>That apart, even if an MP believes that the deal is in the interest of the nation, he cannot cast his vote as he pleases. The merit of the main issue is secondary to the wish of the party high command.
C.K. Prem Kumar,
Palakkad
* * *
<b>
Never in the history of independent India has a government risked its existence on a foreign policy issue.</b> The Congress owes an explanation on how nuclear energy will make India self-sufficient in energy. Can it assure us that the U.S. will not use nuclear fuel as a strategic weapon? Will not India be more dependent on foreign fuel than it is today?
S. Sriram,
Bangalore
* * *
That the MPs are being wooed by the UPA for support is all over the media. If the government survives and some small parties are rewarded with Cabinet berths, will it not amount to a constitutional offence?
Can ministerial posts be traded for votes?
S.G. Venkataramani,
Chennai
* * *
Trust or faith is something that has to come spontaneously from oneâs heart. This is applicable to all walks of life, including politics. The way in which the political parties of all hues are gearing up for the confidence vote scheduled for July 22 is reflective of anything but âtrust.â
S. Ramakrishnasayee,
Ranipet
* * *
The Lok Sabha is set to decide the fate of the UPA government on July 22. If it wins the trust vote, the nuclear deal will stay. What happens to the deal if the UPA is voted out? Is it in auto drive or will it die with the fall of the government? If it is to die, why is the government talking to the IAEA and the NSG?
Governments will come and go but the nuclear deal will have a far-reaching effect on the future of our country. The Lok Sabha should, therefore, discuss the deal dispassionately and objectively and decide its fate independent of the UPAâs future.
Lt. Col. H.S. Gur (retd.),
Hisar
* * *
This is with reference to media reports of betting on the trust vote. It is shocking to see some television news channels openly talking about it. How can people indulge in such activities with impunity?
V. Pratap,
Chennai
* * *
<b>
It is clear that the smaller political parties want to be on the winning side, which is why they are meeting both sides and keeping their cards close to their chest. They are least bothered about the nuclear deal and concerned only with their agenda. At this rate, we should not be surprised if our next Prime Minister belongs to a regional party. <span style='color:red'>The mushrooming of small parties poses the million dollar question: how safe is Indiaâs future?</span></b>
B.L. Shivakumar,
Coimbatore