In case of Hung parliament

The Congress wants a non-BJP government, the Third front wants a non-Congress and non-BJP government, and the BJP wants to take the support of any combination on its terms. The President sure has a tough task ahead.

It is indeed stocktaking time for parties in the run-up to government formation. All parties are getting ready to woo MPs to get the requisite numerical strength in Parliament.Before and during the polls, every party is an enemy of the other. But after the elections, all parties, doubtful of their position, start wooing those they criticised and opposed during electioneering. As usual it is the voter who is left in the lurch, looking like a fool.

Electoral bargains from the very beginning of the Lok Sabha term do not augur well for the country’s future.It is appalling to see our leaders compromising their ideology and conviction for power. Can people trust those who change their colour on the basis of the electoral outcome? No wonder, the educated are losing interest in election and democracy.

The Constitution gives the right to every eligible citizen to contest the elections. No wonder we have many individuals and parties in the fray. Any number of parties can align to form a majority in Parliament. As more and more parties contest and come together to form a government, governance becomes more difficult. The leader of the coalition is forced to abandon its policies. The Constitution can be amended restricting the number of parties that can combine to form a government.

People who shock humanity with their inhuman behavior expect humane treatment ?

The report that Ajmal Amir ‘Kasab’, the lone terrorist captured alive in the Mumbai attack, has retracted his statement is painful. Ajmal’s frequent u-turns are aimed at prolonging the judicial process.His claim that he confessed under pressure is meaningless. What he did, entire world has watched live. He has claimed that he is a minor and the court has no jurisdiction to try him. He has also complained that he was subjected to physical torture.

Why do people who shock humanity with their inhuman behavior expect humane treatment when they get caught? Is there any cause to treat Ajmal and his ilk sympathetically? Does his being a “minor” make a difference to the victims of his attack?

It is surprising to see ‘Kasab’ being treated as an ordinary criminal. He is not a petty thief. He is an enemy sent on a mission by foreign forces. He must be treated as an enemy combatant.

As the world’s largest democracy, we no doubt have the responsibility to ensure that an accused gets a fair trial. Which is why, even in the face of clear evidence against ‘Kasab,’ we proceeded to provide him legal counsel. But if this trial prolongs then it will give a bad signal about our security scenario and about our capabilities to deal with criminals. At the same time with the 24-7 media capturing every detail of the case and making sensational stories on the issue will only harm our security and will give 'Kasab' the unnecessary hype.

The people are exasperated at the manner in which the trial is progressing. Should a terror accused like ‘Kasab’ be subjected to such an elaborate trial when the evidence against him is so conclusive? The least we can do for the victims of 26/11 is give them timely justice.