Rejection unfair

Rejection of a common election symbol to any registered political party, be it Praja Rajyam or else, by the Election Commission is unfair, to say the least. Having granted registration in the first instance, it defies logic and fair justice as to how the EC could debar a registered political party from contesting the elections on a common symbol. Even to a totally apolitical observer, many of the recent rules and restrictions imposed by the EC look illogical, harsh and undemocratic, prompted more by the whims and fancies of the Election Commissioners rather than by a sense of fair play and justice. The judiciary may have to intervene to set right the matters so that the EC ensures democratic norms.

T.S. Rao

Visakhapatnam

Women’s quota

One more Women’s Day has gone by last week without any sight of light at the end of the tunnel for the women of our country in their quest for empowerment and justice, as the women’s reservation bill could not be passed in the Lok Sabha. This was a total let down for women voters of the country, and it is most unfortunate that they are being taken for granted. Adding insult to injury, a number of attacks on women in our country in general and State in particular had increased by leaps and bounds. A strong Centre will be feasible only if national parties, be it the Congress, BJP or the Communists win at the hustings so that these parties do not have to bow to the whims and fancies of the regional parties and achieve women’s reservation.

Kasturi Tallamraju

Visakhapatnam

GVMC disincentive

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has announced incentives for tax payers paying tax between February 10. It is strange the incentive scheme does not apply to those who paid taxes well in advance, before Feb. 10. How ridiculous! Earlier, in the case of underground drainage scheme, the corporation announced free connections after many spent several thousands of rupees to get UGD connections.

S.K. Sharma

Visakhapatnam

Hazardous sidewalk

The sidewalk abutting the Gateway Hotel (formerly Taj Residency) along Nowroji Road, leading to Rama Krishna Beach, is hazardous in nature as the concrete slab covers of the storm water drain are found missing and pose serious injuries to unwary pedestrians. I request the authorities concerned to take appropriate measures in the interest of the safety of the pedestrians before any mishap takes place.

P.K. Sankar

Visakhapatnam