Mandate's Message

Promising people a better life won't do, delivering it will


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Mandates-message/articleshow/12178238.cms

There are many important lessons to be learnt from the recent outcome of the assembly elections, says the editorial, and the central one may be that identity politics has its limits.

"Youth-driven India's burgeoning popular aspirations should drive home the urgent need for more inclusive growth and accelerated development. The budget is the UPA's chance to show that it not only understands this, but also has the political will to act."

-The Times of India, March 8, 2012

Keeping The Faith

The Election Commission made it easy for voters in UP

Keeping The Faith

-The Times of India, March 6, 2012

The model code ain't broke

"UPA government's reported move to "look into the aspects where executive instructions of the Election Commission of India [are] required to be given statutory shape" smacks of a devious if ingenious way to curtail the powers of the supervisory body.

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The model code ain't broke: The agenda note for the meeting of the Group of Ministers on corruption seems to have been drafted with the intent of taking out of the EC's purview any and all violations of the Model Code of Conduct."

The model code is central to the EC's efforts to prevent misuse of official machinery by parties in power, and to check electoral offences, malpractices and corruption during elections. It is essential that the need for change be shared by the EC and by political parties and that actual changes be the product of consensus between all stakeholders.

What politicians fear is the EC's hawk eye and its ability to deploy moral suasion. The model code may not be perfect but it certainly ain't broke. There is no need for the UPA to try and fix it.

Poll Vault

High voter turnouts may signal high popular aspiration

Poll Vault

-The Times of India, February 21, 2012

Undermining the EC is undermining democracy

Former AGI Soli Sorabjee takes a dig at the recent spat between EC and Congress ministers (Mr.Khursheed and Mr.Verma), who have taken EC for a ride by making and then regretting the statements violating model code of conduct.

http://expressbuzz.com/opinion/columnists/undermining-the-ec-is-undermining-democracy/364734.html

The Chief Election Commissioner is given the status of a Supreme Court judge regarding his tenure and conditions of service. The Model Code of Conduct for elections is not a useless advisory parchment. It has to be observed strictly in letter and spirit and its violation can be punished.

Rein in Mr. Khursheed

"A firm and quick end must be put to Law Minister Salman Khursheed's brazen defiance of the Election Commission of India. It is most unseemly that someone in charge of a ministry that oversees justice and legal affairs in this country should tangle with a constitutional authority, and that too over an issue on which he has no plausible defence. "

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Rein in Mr. Khursheed: To merely distance itself from Mr. Khursheed's campaign rhetoric is not enough. It is imperative that the Central government and the Congress demonstrate their respect for the Election Commission and accept its rulings.

Respect The Code

Salman Khurshid shouldn't weaken the EC

Respect The Code

It is very crucial that the position of the Election Commission is treated with respect, says the editor.

-The Times of India, February 14, 2012 

Sun, Sand, Sunburn

Even in Goa, girls don't just want to have fun


Sun, Sand, Sunburn

-The Times of India, January 17, 2012