Poll shows politicians in poor light
The recently concluded Rajya Sabha elections is a sad commentary on our politicians, irrespective of whether they are from the Opposition or the ruling party.
The politicians have not let go ofany opportunity to wash their dirty linen in public.
It is not a question about how the Congress could win both seats despite not having the numbers or why the Opposition, seemingly well placed, lost the race. It is also not a question of whether the Congress allegedly purchased the six Opposition MLAs — four from the AGP, two from the AIUDF and one from the AGP — to win the seats or whether the six legislators switched sides because they didn’t agree with their parties’ respective stand.
It was clear from the result that something was terribly amiss. The one question which we should all be asking is whether we are electing the right candidates to represent us.
If we elect the right candidates, at least we will be saved from such embarrassing situations. We know what is amiss and the sooner we fix it the better for our collective future.
Rajesh Borah,Zoo Road, Guwahati
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| Women work at a paddy field in Assam. File picture |
The Assam government’s budget for 2010-2011 for all practical purposes is a populist one and could cost the state dear in the long run. This is the truth but there is also something that needs to be taken into account before the budget is condemned outright.
There is still a sizeable population that needs all the relief they can get because of spiralling prices.
Though I don’t support the budget per se, my only request to the government is to ensure that the relief reaches the intended target — the poor and the farmers. We all know what actually happens on the ground.
Unscrupulous elements invariably pocket the goodies. Let us hope, for a change, the benefits will reach its destination.
R. Talukda, Rehabari, Guwahati
