Gujarat: Are polls the answer?

'By sacrificing eight months he wants to gain 5 years'

Tue Jul 23 09:29:27 2002
Name:p.v.chowdary
Email:pv.chowdary@ittiam.com
Your Views:Elections are not at all the answer for the situation. It seems narendra Modi is trying in vain to build his image.

Tue Jul 23 09:29:52 2002
Name:muna tripathy
Email:d_tripathy5@rediffmail.com
Your Views:from my point of view it is a very good decission because it is not only the demand of the time but the people also. i think by taking this decission mr Modi just display his sense of humors. i think he can handle the situation very tactfully. he has taken this decission for the sake of the benifit of the citizen and also for the wellfare of the country.i think the election commission should feel the seriousness of the subject & take their decission as quick as possible.

Tue Jul 23 09:30:25 2002
Name:Srinivas
Email:srinivc@yahoo.com
Your Views:Modi has not done anything wrong by dissolving Assembly. His critics, the so called secular intelligentia, have tried to exploit the communal polarisation and infact further spoiled the tmosphere. They have demanded his resignation disrespecting the people's mandate that is given to him to rule the state. The chief minister didi a right thing by approaching the people for their judgement which is a right thing to do.

Tue Jul 23 09:30:42 2002
Name:mhkhan
Email:mhkhan200@hotmail.com
Your Views:no election required till the normalcy is there

Tue Jul 23 09:31:36 2002
Name:bhaarat
Email:bhaarat123@yahoo.co.uk
Your Views:If not polls, then what is the answer in a democracy ? At least Congress cannot be against polls for they were held within weeks after 1984 riots in which thousands of innocents were killed. Also how about stalling polls in Kashmir and Assam indefinitely till Pandits and Bangaladeshi immigrants return to their natives ??? reards

Tue Jul 23 09:31:56 2002
Name:rajendra swaminarayan
Email:s_rajendra_r@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Yes, always where there is a uncertinity, polls should be taken. But the results will not be at good levels for BJP. every body is thinking for persons not for party. if person is good enough, he will win the poll.

Tue Jul 23 09:33:41 2002
Name:Sunil
Email:agarsunil@yahoo.co.uk
Your Views:Yes, because people's mandate is supreme in democracy. If people want Modi then they will elect him otherwise they will throw him out. Nothing is wrong in this election, wrong is the attitude of some people.

Tue Jul 23 09:34:00 2002
Name:Khemraj
Email:s_khemraj@rediffmail.com
Your Views:offcourse.. the verdict from mass can be a decisive factor to so much hyped of communal riots state.

Tue Jul 23 09:37:36 2002
Name:Shankaran
Email:shankaranr@hotmail.com
Your Views:Looks like with your forward you seem to be influencing the thinking and expect a reply you want. I feel media especially the English media has played havoc and most of the reporting has been biased and almost onesided. I feel the media and newsprint is afraid if the elections are held Modi may sweep back to power hence media is opposing the elections and not for any great cause. Over the years the media has taken their opposition to BJP to the extent of compromising on National issues and bordering towards anti national sentiments. Infact they don't distinguish between reporting and articles. Its high time they change their ways and retain some credibility.

Tue Jul 23 09:37:53 2002
Name:hindu_guy_in_us
Email:hindu_guy_in_us@ashamed.com
Your Views:People of Gujarat, If you think you will get prosperity by killing Muslims, you are very badly mistaken. This kind of communal killings has not helped anyone in the past. This will bring you lost business, more poverty and seclusion from the rest of the world. The elections are the last thing you needed but now that they are forced upon you, atleast try and vote against the killer politicians you voted for the last time. That is one big step you can take in the right direction.

Tue Jul 23 09:37:55 2002
Name:Mohan Das
Email:mohdas@rediffmail.com
Your Views:The decision taken by Mr. Narendra Modi in dissolving the Gujarat Assembly and ordering fresh poll is absolutely the right step and necessary to heal the wound of riot scars. The people are the right judge to decide whether Mr. Modi is wrong or not. The opposition, especially the Congress, and CPM are always trying to fish out of trouble waters as has been their history since Independence and they are just opposing the elections due to the fear that they will be punished, instigating the Ghodra carnage and the related riots. Everyone in Gujarat now know that Congress were behind the catastrophe and they are only to be blamed during the commnunal camaflouge happened in Gujarat. If the election can be held in Kashmir, eventhough dozes are being killed daily, why not Gujarat where it is absolutely under control. Moreover, the messiah of law and order, Mr. K.P.S.Gill has declared that Gujarat is ripe for fresh election. Who else is the best judge? The election will create a new environment in Gujarat of mutual trust and communal harmony and it is the best chance for the people to expose the real culprits of all these unfortunate happening that have taken place.

Tue Jul 23 09:39:00 2002
Name:yogesh rajgor
Email:ysrajgor@vsnl.com
Your Views:Its a criminal wastage of money. The political parties, BJP & Congress are not proactive on the forthcoming drought. Kutch still needs assistance, riots affected people still not rehabilitised. Still both parties are playing gamble on fresh election I strongly opine that elections are held only when are due. Till that time, the governor should impose president rule

Tue Jul 23 09:41:05 2002
Name:r k dave
Email:rkdave23@hotmail.com
Your Views:Democretic process should continue no matter what. Yes polls are needed.

Tue Jul 23 09:41:46 2002
Name:Myadam Srisalam
Email:sailam@myadamfamily.com
Your Views:YES. there must be elections in gujarath as soon as possible. congress always play worst politics. they never critisised 'godhra' culcripts. if there is no Godhra incident, there wouldn't be Gujarat riots. That they didn't understand in their life time. They afraid of their vote bank.

Tue Jul 23 09:43:37 2002
Name:Naseh
Email:naseh@rediffmail.com
Your Views: I think the time is not ripe for polls there.Modi is cynically using this to capitalize on the mass anti -Muslim hysteria created by him and his cohorts to win the next round of elections and thus legitimize the genocide if he wins the elections.The silence of the 'secular' NDA allies on the polls issue exposes thier pseudo secular nature.The international pressure on the Indian Government is welcome

Tue Jul 23 09:46:16 2002
Name:S V Gopal
Email:svg@ece.iisc.ernet.in
Your Views: Any amount of bush beating is of no use in front of these politicians. we the people are not having any power to execute, no platform to express our openian, even if so there is no body to hear. What happend to Election Commission order?. Expressing our thoughts itself is a futile excercise. Why waste time.

Tue Jul 23 09:48:28 2002
Name:Daxay
Email:dddsnl@ltecd.ltindia.com
Your Views:Yes, if people think that Modi govt. failed to settle down the Gujarat situation, the best way to proove it is the election only. Let the people decide the Mr. Right for them. As per situation concern, it's like somebody adviecs the Sachin that you should play like this,like that without knowing the spelling of cricket.

Tue Jul 23 09:51:55 2002
Name:G.Gerald Moses
Email:ggeraldmoses@rediffmail.com
Your Views:No, Election cannot help in any form in the relief and rehabilitation process. Rather election will provoke and propogate more hatred and vilence.

Tue Jul 23 09:52:25 2002
Name:Rejaul Islam
Email:rejaul_i@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Narendra Modi Should Go to Tihar, He is the most cruel terrorist who killed more then 1200 people in the state.

Tue Jul 23 09:54:06 2002
Name:pramod vaidya
Email:pramodv_64@rediff.com
Your Views:Mr Modi has taken good decision in favour of janta janardan Garvi Gujart breathing fresh air after polution of riot. I think it is a right time to go in front of people of Gujarat and they will decide the future c m of the Gujarat. The retio of the literacy in Gujarat is up I hope the wise people will elect suitable CM in Gujarat. I hope every political parties will accept the fresh mandate.

Tue Jul 23 09:54:47 2002
Name:anil handa
Email:handaanil@rediffmail.com
Your Views:elections should be held later on when situation is more conducive.

Tue Jul 23 09:56:16 2002
Name:Abdul Muthalif
Email:abdul_muthalif@yahoo.com
Your Views:Elections should be conducted after all communial clashes is stopped and when there is peace in the state.Till that there sholud be governor's rule in Gujarat and governor also should be changed.So a governor who is not biased should be appointed.

Tue Jul 23 09:56:40 2002
Name:Anthuvan
Email:roseanthuvan@rediffmail.com
Your Views:President's rule should be implemented in Gujarath.

Tue Jul 23 09:57:27 2002
Name:akram
Email:akram_pasha_2000@yahoo.com
Your Views:hi he is not done very good job his minister time see all indians why fighting each other

Tue Jul 23 09:57:52 2002
Name:Promod R.
Email:promodr@rediffmail.com
Your Views:The situation in Gujarat has considerably stabilised over the past month thanks to some plain speaking by the PM and some action on the ground by K.P.S. Gill. Given the tumultous nature of the past events and the fact that trust on the government is under doubt, it is best to have an election at this point of time to let the people decide what is best for them. However, it needs to be ensured that communal propaganda does not dictate and traverse the election process.

Tue Jul 23 09:58:24 2002
Name:r.n.maduri
Email:nath1936@yahoomail.com
Your Views:it is vulgar exposition of fanatics. in my openion the former p.m pvnr has ruined this country and present p.m will destroy this country and indian economy will fail very soon. it will become worst than iraq. this was quoted to all the heads of g.8 countries. curruption/nepotism/prostitution/drug trafficing/mafias gangs are behind the administration in india and usa.both have to suffer. anti humanity / goondas and criminals are ruling in most of the countries. i am now 66 yrs. i have travelled half the world. i have been ruined on account of a sabotage by the said characters.

Tue Jul 23 09:59:51 2002
Name:Swarup
Email:swarup16@rediffmail.com
Your Views:I think the elections should be held as soon as possible otherwise later on opposition parties might cook up stories which might lead to communal riots again. Congress party is power hungry and it can do anything for power.Opposition parties should not be for the sake of opposing any activity the government does but only valid ones.

Tue Jul 23 10:04:41 2002
Name:Sam Abraham
Email:sam.abraham@hct.ac.ae
Your Views:The election now will only worsen the condition of Muslims there if BJP is going to come back with more majority. If there should be a change in Gujarat govt. now, then it should be to bring under direct centre rule with all political parties involved and under the supervision of a committee headed by Governor until all of BJP, VHP, Bajarag Dal etc. as well as everyone there take a course in Art of Living.

Tue Jul 23 10:05:15 2002
Name:sachet singh
Email:sachet@rediffmail.com
Your Views:NO NO NO, No elections should be held. Modi should be tried for all the crimes first

Tue Jul 23 10:05:29 2002
Name:AUGUSTINE D'SOUZA.
Email:augustinedsouza1@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Poll under president's rule is the answer. One cannot expect transparency under Mr. Modi's chiefministership. The violence affected people should be rehabilitated first and then the elections should be held.

Tue Jul 23 10:07:48 2002
Name:Vinay
Email:vinaymohan78@hotmail.com
Your Views:The polls will end all speculation about the desierability of mr modi continuing as CM.... After all a majority's voice should also be heard. it should not be drowned in the hullaboo for minority appeasement. the opposition is simply scared that all their efforts in minority appeasement will go waste if elections are held now.

Tue Jul 23 10:09:08 2002
Name:Sachin
Email:Sachin_bhopal@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Yes , i believe the polls r the real ans. As the people of the state will say whether Narendra Modi should stay or not.

Tue Jul 23 10:12:08 2002
Name:Jasbir
Email:jskhepar@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Modi knows where to crack the nail for his chair, he can sacrifice any number of people for the post he loves, not to vacate. After such a bloodshed in Gujarat, he still thinks he has emerged as a hero but Mind it, Mr Modi ou are a villian and everyone knows what happens to a villian... Dirty Politics, Mr. Modi. Better be ready to pack ur bags from the seat you hold for at least anothe seven births of urs. u should have resigned three months back... No worth resigning now instead relief and rehabilitation measures could have been taken up now. Bye Bye Modi from the chair of CM that u love the most

Tue Jul 23 10:14:19 2002
Name:Prabhakar Veturi
Email:Yoga_praneeth@rediffmail.com
Your Views:The current Gujarat situation is the manifestation of the policies of cast and religion based politics followed by the successive governments. No body had seriously taken the issues concerning economic and social spheres. The Modi Govt. has indulged in sectarian politics rather than governing the state. To cover up the inefficient and inept handling of the state affairs it had tried to divert the peoples attention from serious matters concerning the state like the financial issues and relief measures to earth quake victims and draught conditions in the state. The best way to give a befitting reply the Modis, keshubhai's, Vaghela's the electorate should elect honest and performing candidates to run the government. In a democracy elections should be used as deterrent for inefficient politicians who do not perform. A mechanism should be evolved to recall corrupt, inefficient peoples representatives to save the country.Thus in my view the elections are the only mechanism through which people can raise their voice and elect a govt. which is by the people for the people, and to the people.

Tue Jul 23 10:15:39 2002
Name:A.Suresh Hegde, Bangalore
Email:asuhegde@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Yes, definitely! Because, all these months whole nation has been blaming the BJP Government in Gujarat for the violence. The law and order failure has been attributed to the the BJP Government. Opposition parties have been demanding for the removal of Mr. Modi from the Chief Ministership. Any other Chief Minister from the BJP would have faced the same problem. Hence, it is better to go to the people and ask them to install a Government of their choice. That will end once for all, the allegations and counter allegations. What is wrong in going for polls? Can the Congress form a Government without going for a fresh election? For everything, the election is only the answer.

Tue Jul 23 10:16:02 2002
Name:Vivek
Email:Rahulj2001@indiatimes.com
Your Views:Hi, Before asking such questions one should look at the plight of Hindus in kashmir where the election is due next month. Media is talking about 10000 people living in camps in gujrat but they don't remember that 1.5 lacs people(kashmiri pandits) are living a pathetic life in delhi camps since last 10 years.And no one is there to wipe thier tears probably becoz they are Hindu and our "secular media" is suffering from amnesia.

Tue Jul 23 10:18:08 2002
Name:ram nair
Email:ramcnair@hotmail.com
Your Views:Behind every trouble spot, there is a bunch of beaming politicians, who do not know the suffering of the people but are there to manipulate the situation to grab or retain power. Yes, the people of the state must have a say - with finality I hope!

Tue Jul 23 10:20:11 2002
Name:Chandrashekar y.S
Email:chandra157@rediffmail.cim
Your Views:Yes. We want Early election within 2-3 months.

Tue Jul 23 10:21:23 2002
Name:Nishit Ringwala
Email:nishitringwala@rediffmail.com
Your Views:To annouance election is fully justified.

Tue Jul 23 10:23:26 2002
Name:George Jacob
Email:george_jacob100@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Its too early for Gujarat elctions,as Bharat Jalao Party destroyed the Soverginity of the state.let the Gujarat People to realise the dirtiest poltician Mr.Nara Mirthyu Avathar Modi.

Tue Jul 23 10:23:59 2002
Name:tapesh kr sharma
Email:tapeshbharadwaj@rediffmail.com
Your Views:polls the answer in gujrat

Tue Jul 23 10:26:51 2002
Name:Qamar Faruki
Email:faruki@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Elections can be held even after 8 months as scheduled, but rightnow CM's priority should be to speed up relief & rehabilitation of riot victims. In fact Cm should start visiting homes / camps of those who were affected in feb/mar and give them assurance reg. their safety in Gujarat, this would eventually give boost & credence to Modi's image & help BJP in coming days.

Tue Jul 23 10:27:36 2002
Name:lovekesh gupta
Email:lovekeshgupta@rediffmail.com
Your Views:i think Modi ji is doing right.communal bloodbath in Gujarat only followed Newton's 3rd law of nature(which states that each action is followed by equal & opposite reaction).

Tue Jul 23 10:29:02 2002
Name:sunil bachkar
Email:sunil_bachkar@hotmail.com
Your Views:Gujrat Chief minister has dissolved the state assembly its absulutly correct.

Tue Jul 23 10:30:08 2002
Name:patel dhaval s
Email:adsp_oo7@rediffmail.com
Your Views:As my view ,looking at the present situation there should not be a election in erly moment because some good candidates may not apply for politics as a fear of getting defeated by the oponents of the other schedules.

Tue Jul 23 10:30:11 2002
Name:Pradeep Rekhawar
Email:rekhawar@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Dear Sir, Dissolving the Assembly and calling for fresh polls, is simply a game plan of Gujrat Chief Minister. He is simply trying to divert the attetion of media & people from the real issue of Law & Order situation in Gujrat. Instead of wasting energy & resources on conducting the polls, Govt. shall put their efforts for improving the law & order situaton and building up communal harmony & confidence in the people. Let the politics take a second seat, atleast on this humanatarian issue. Hope, somebody is listening to our voice at the other end.

Tue Jul 23 10:30:22 2002
Name:Hemanth Kumar
Email:hemanth_kumarg@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Yes, Polls is the answer. Time that the BJP bluff is called. But the Congress as usual is tying itself up in knots just as it did during the post-Kargil elections.

Tue Jul 23 10:32:31 2002
Name:kmmathew
Email:kmmathew99@hotmail.com
Your Views:not at all.

Tue Jul 23 10:36:12 2002
Name:sur
Email:oneteap@yahoo.com
Your Views:I think the in that particular time the election is not right choice. First narender Modi took step to improve the conditions of the riot victem.If he doesnot think that gave a big "slap" to him.

Tue Jul 23 10:37:39 2002
Name:Maya
Email:mayasoni@rediffmail.com
Your Views:This is not the proper time to hold elections in a state where there is a clear polarisation among Muslims and Hindus. A large no. of people have still not yet been rehabilitated and are not returning to their places fearing for their safety. The electrol rolls are also not complete. One can nly come to the conclusion that Mr. Modi has sought to capitalise on this prevailing scenario for his and his party's political gains. The Election commission should decide to hold elections only after total peace has returned to the state and rehabilitaion process has been completed. A few instances which passed off peacefully under tight security do not indicate the peace has returnd to the state.

Tue Jul 23 10:39:59 2002
Name:Magesh
Email:ramagesh@rediffmail.com
Your Views:To our relief, violence has stopped in Gujarat. But the fear in people's mind still stays. And whether its true or not, Modi has become a villian in the minds of minorities and they will not feel secure under his rule for now. What Gujarat needs is a CM with a strong people mandate with 5 years of his/her rule ahead. And the best way possible is elections. Succesfull conduct of elections will result in people getting their confidence back on the democratic process as such. What are the other options? Allowing Modi to continue as caretaker CM? Or worse, set a bad precedent by announcing President rule? Modi continuing as caretaker CM is of no use. It neither allows him to do any policy decisions nor will instill security in minorities mind with the so called secularists praying for his blood. And President rule is a very very bad precedance. You can have president rule in all the states which will go for elections. So the best possible solution for the Gujarat crisis is an early election. Hope Election Commission thinks of all these points and order for an early election.

Tue Jul 23 10:40:38 2002
Name:wajid shaikh
Email:wajidshaikh7@yahoo.com
Your Views:Holding Election is not the answer,infact he is taking the advantage in communalised atmosphere,where the minority section already lost their identity.

Tue Jul 23 10:40:39 2002
Name:sudhakar chawla
Email:chawlasudhakar@hotmail.com
Your Views:I do not not know of another method of ascertaining the peoples opinions better than through voting.How ever such a tried and tested method must fulfill certain preconditions ie, normalcy of the social and political situation in th state or a country., where people should be able to exercise their right to vote in an environment free of coersion and fear terror of any kind can cause damage to the very efficacy of the system the basis of which is trust and confidence .whether it is force of muscle power , money or any form of pressure can only bring short term gain togroups having vested interest in this sociatal cause to which our politians seem to have no accontabilty. recnt events in the world of achieving objectives either politicl or economic are no less atestimony tothe same. I believe that elction under the present circumstnces will not provide the right solution to the people of Gujrat who have yet not emerged out of the traumatic experienc of terror and violence ,unless we are so thick skinned to have lost sensitivity to human pain and values and want to take populace of this country for granted. yours sincerely s.chawla

Tue Jul 23 10:41:43 2002
Name:Ramanathan M.
Email:emry@rocketmail.com
Your Views:It is funny that such things happen in India only. They (Modi et. al. ) create violence and the dissolve the assembly, and do all things that suit to them accordingly. They have made mockery of `democracy' and `elections'. What they have done is for their own interest and not what India needs. People like Modi should not be allowed to rule even a small state. BJP is becoming more and more communal and this is not good for our counry.

Tue Jul 23 10:42:27 2002
Name:C.M.kabra
Email:cmkabra@redffmail.com
Your Views:Mr. Modi is doing right thing to call for assembly elecion. This election will give the verdict that people are with present govt. or not. To-day's Indian opposition is not a constructive opposition. Hence let the people decide.Riot relief and rehabilitation are going on smoothly. During Rath Yatra both the communities has shown good understanding.

Tue Jul 23 10:42:39 2002
Name:ranjit chitale
Email:rschitale@vsnl.net
Your Views:why not even congress did it in 1984 after riots in just 45 days. cm has all the right to constitutionally go for the elections whenever he thinks the state can give max returns.

Tue Jul 23 10:43:36 2002
Name:sudhakar chawla
Email:chawlasudhakar@hotmail.com
Your Views:I do not not know of another method of ascertaining the peoples opinions better than through voting.How ever such a tried and tested method must fulfill certain preconditions ie, normalcy of the social and political situation in th state or a country., where people should be able to exercise their right to vote in an environment free of coersion and fear terror of any kind can cause damage to the very efficacy of the system the basis of which is trust and confidence .whether it is force of muscle power , money or any form of pressure can only bring short term gain togroups having vested interest in this sociatal cause to which our politians seem to have no accontabilty. recnt events in the world of achieving objectives either politicl or economic are no less atestimony tothe same. I believe that elction under the present circumstnces will not provide the right solution to the people of Gujrat who have yet not emerged out of the traumatic experienc of terror and violence ,unless we are so thick skinned to have lost sensitivity to human pain and values and want to take populace of this country for granted.

Tue Jul 23 10:44:03 2002
Name:Prof. S.M.Alam
Email:drsmalam@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Not only that election will be an exercise in futility, it will be making a mockery of the entire process as well as democracy. Election should be deferred to many months ahead of the return of normalcy which should[normalcy] not be decided by Modi or his wellwishers but some independant and unbiased and neutral agency.

Tue Jul 23 10:44:32 2002
Name:yuvakumar
Email:mr_yuva@rediffmail.com
Your Views: He is worst chief minister ever seen. Even NHRC reports indicted him he didn't resign. normalcy &rehabilitation for riot victims should be priority.there should be president rule in Gujarat. at present scenario poll is not answer

Tue Jul 23 10:44:51 2002
Name:pranav
Email:pranavrajvanshy@rediffmail.com
Your Views: I am in favour of early elections in riot hit Gujarat. Relief works can be continued collaterally. Modi has rightly appraised the situations and in a way has put to an end the opposition's conjectures regarding BJP's malafide intentions. In a way Modi has acted in accordance with the opposition's desire of change in regime by dissolving the assembly and resorting to elections. The opposition parties are now desparately looking for a face saver, as these narrow minded people always appeased the minority community and are hell bent against the majority community's rightful and justifiable interests. If all the parties had condemned the Godhra massacare and not exonerated the perpetrators , such large scale upsurge of Hindu emotions would have never occured. Now opposition is scared and could very well surmise the mid-term election's results and hence is resorting to such gimmicks. Elections are the soul of democracy. Let the people of Gujarat choose their own leader, no one can devoid them of this right. Rehabilitation of the victims is considered it should be continued without any interruption by seeking help of NGO's.

Tue Jul 23 10:47:22 2002
Name:bhavin
Email:bhavinnshah4@rediffmail.com
Your Views:yes, there is nothing wrong in it.

Tue Jul 23 10:49:57 2002
Name:md.Musthaq
Email:musthaqm@hotmail.com
Your Views:I think elections at this stage is not necessary ,the government should concentrate on relief and rehabilation works and try to win the heart of the people.They have lost faith in the government and feel that they are in such a worst situatuion and and the government is planning to go for polls in the state.They feel as refugees in their home lands.Once the situation is normal and people from the camp return to their homes and unless they feel that they are secure,only then they can concentrate on polls.

Tue Jul 23 10:50:14 2002
Name:irfan khan
Email:irfan501@rediffmail.com
Your Views:It is not a suitable time for holding the election in Gujarat. As thousands of families are homeless or have fled their native place. so unless complete normalcy is restored election has to postponed. The C.M. should first look after to rehablitate people rather than holding election.

Tue Jul 23 10:50:18 2002
Name:Sunil
Email:abe_v@rediff.com
Your Views:No ,elections are not the answer . Rightly said , the voter list area to be updated and relief and rehab. measures are still going on. What's need of the elections when the elections are to held on Feb. 2003 ? Definitely this is to capitalize the divided voters

Tue Jul 23 10:51:41 2002
Name:Nikhil D Sapre
Email:nikhilsapre@yahoo.co.in
Your Views:We should not forget that democracy is also a apart of basic framework of our constitution along with secularism.So called secular parties seem to have forgotten this. Elections give people a chance to elect their voice which if delayed under any reason may lead to frustration among masses resulting in large scale violence. In fact J&K problem owes some part of its legacy to this blunder which was committed a decade ago by then ruling Congress. Also I believe that in last 2 months situation in Gujarath has improved drastically especially after a brief stint of Mr K P S Gill. I am sure the elections will bring people together Those who are living in relief camps can exercise thier franchise by post as our Kashmiri Pandits are doing for years. Also situation in Gujrath is many times better than J&K,Bihar and some north eastern states where elections are fought on gunpoint.Election Commission will be denying justice to Gujrathis to have thier representatives at the helm of affairs if it delays the elections.Last but not the least constitutionally also it is binding on Centre to install a new government within six months of last meeting of state legislature before it was dissolved.

Tue Jul 23 10:53:31 2002
Name:VIJAY R
Email: vijay_raghunath@rediffmail.com
Your Views:The resignation of Narendra Modi as the chief minister of Gujarat is the last act in the play enacted by the ruling party in Gujarat. Now that a large proportion of the minority community is in the relief camps or have already fled the state, the possibilty of them voting is out of the question. In this way the voters are clearly polarized and the chances of the ruling party coming to power is almost certain. But this may not be the last time that such an incident may take place. This experiment of starting a murderous campaign against the members of the minority community, just before the elections in the state will start a dangerous precedent, which will be repeated in every state, which goes to the polls in the next eighteen months. All responsible citizens should come forward and condemn this act of terror by the Gujarat government and urge the Election Commission to postpone the elections, till such a time when free and fair elections will be possible in the state.

Tue Jul 23 10:55:15 2002
Name:Minal
Email:mjc@indiatimes.com
Your Views:It's definately NOT time to hold elections, since thousands of Indians are homeless and without basic amenities in the state. THere's so much of fear and mistrust. Its a sad thing to happen. Hoping all people involved in the killings of innocent lives, realize their folly and reform..

Tue Jul 23 10:55:16 2002
Name:Rakesh K P
Email:rakesh9791@rediffmail.com
Your Views:In the present situation polls does seem to be the answer (IF )BJP ,VHP and other forces who are preaching communalism are defeated .May god give brains to People of Gujarat to get away from these type of narrow sentiments .

Tue Jul 23 10:56:14 2002
Name:Bhargav
Email:bhargava@consultant.com
Your Views:So what is wrong with dissolving the assembly? People wanted Modi's head. He said it was a collective decision and so he offered to dissolve the house. The desperate groups did not belive they could win the elections then. So they shouted hoarse. Now he has opted to use his legal powers to get the house dissolved and let the people decide if he was a just administrator. So what is wrong with that except the opposition knows its nose will be rubbed in the dust in the election?

Tue Jul 23 10:56:18 2002
Name:jagadeesh kumar
Email:jmovva@rediffmail.com
Your Views:It is a very good decision to hold elections as soon as possible. Nobody should be afraid of an election as it is a democratic process. It is the best option available when it is felt that the CM has lost the confidence of the people.

Tue Jul 23 10:57:33 2002
Name:V.V.Kumar
Email:vvk1974@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Yes! All the political parties are whipping the communal tension and hence holding the elections early is good for Gujarat.

Tue Jul 23 10:59:20 2002
Name:Bharat P
Email:jerk@altavista.net
Your Views:Polls are appropriate at this time. When there was violence there was big demand for Modi govt dismissal. Now that his govt has resigned opposition is making noise. If opposition is so confident that Modi's govt has lost credibility let them face the election and show that they have guts!!

Tue Jul 23 11:02:08 2002
Name:sali
Email:salsa25@hotmail.com
Your Views:Elections are not the answer now. Peace should first return to Gujrat.

Tue Jul 23 11:08:21 2002
Name:sudeep
Email:jsudeep@yahoo.co.in
Your Views:Elections will bring into power a government which has the faith of a majority of the electorate in Gujarat. In the present environment of distrust, where any action by the media, by the govt, by the NGOs, by constitutional authorities is viewed with suspicion, an election shall get from the people, a new mandate, and shall enable Gujarat to make a fresh start. Not allowing the Gujarat elections to take place now is equivalent to usurping the Gujaratis right to choose their own government and to decide their own destiny. It assumes that an average person on the street does not know whats best for herself and should be protected from herself when exercising her right to vote.

Tue Jul 23 11:11:14 2002
Name:ramesh
Email:ramesh_ravirala@hotmail.com
Your Views:CM has exercised his option. I feel nothing wrong in conducting polls. Once people appreciate conducting polls in j&k where situation is worse why not in guj. In my opinion political parties are unnecessarily making hue and cry of the issue. Now the entire state is peaceful. and people of guj are matured and well literate hope they wont fall into any ones trap. Elections is a democratic process and it should be conducted. ITs cabinets decision to dissolve the assembly which is in its right to recommend to the governor. let the polls be conducted.

Tue Jul 23 11:13:53 2002
Name:Niranjan Reddy
Email:niranjan@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Yes.

Tue Jul 23 11:14:07 2002
Name:Rajeev Venkat
Email:rajeevvenkat@rediffmail.com
Your Views:You have made a loaded suggestion expecting to hear a vehement "NO" from every reader. But to the contrary, I strongly feel, if polls are not an answer for Gujarat then how come is it an answer for J&K where Lakhs of Hindus have been uprooted for years. How can it be an answer to the whole of India - where Millions of people live under the misconception of democracy & freedom. Gujarat is no exception from the rest of India. Infact, what Modi's decision would do is to ensure and put to rest the suggestion that Gujarat does not have a government supported by the people of Gujarat. The opposition should learn to behave positively and only pressurise the Government for a free & fair election without intimidation & fear. They should stop behaving like Nasser Hussain's Cricket team - cribbing about everything. All parties should have a unanimity that all state elections would be held under the President's rule. But then what about the Central General Elections? Can that be held under President's Rule? If yes, is the President not a Human Being himself with some philoisophy & ideology of his own . We should start to strive for peace rather than seek exceptions to make our point heard.

Tue Jul 23 11:15:12 2002
Name:Niranjan Reddy
Email:niranjan@rediffmail.com
Your Views:Yes.the elections should be done new.So that new government can undertake rehabilations and relif to people..

Tue Jul 23 11:15:27 2002
Name:A. Pandit
Email:amp66@rediffmail.com
Your Views:The Gujarat CM has execised his democratic prerogative in going for the assembly elections in the State. This was the only way to seek the fresh mandate from people of Gujarat in view of the concerted campaign run by a section of the media to paint the CM, BJP and all other Hindu organisations in black conveniently forgetting that all this started in the first place due to carnage in Godhra. It seemms that the media in India has always been using different yardstick for the BJP when there have been enough precedents to this kind of snap polls in the past. The biggest one was Rajiv Gandhi ordering general elections after anti-sikh rights killing more than 10,000 innocent sikhs at the hands of Congress workers in the heart of the capital. If the criterion is to avoid any division in the population, then prpbably you can never hold elections in Jammu & kashmir, Assam and Bihar for that matter. And why is the big issue being made out of 13,000 refugees (including 130,000 affected in the riots) when the population of the state is more than 7 crores and basically a few selected areas of the Ahmedabad city was badly affected.

Tue Jul 23 11:16:26 2002
Name:gijothomas
Email:gijobhm@rediffmail.com
Your Views:The state should recover from the existing situation first.People need security, healing,& rehabilitation and not election.once they get all these things there after fresh elections can be held.

Tue Jul 23 11:17:27 2002
Name:sknsbarn
Email:sknsbarn@indiatimes.com
Your Views:Yes, elections are the best answer, but not in the present political arrangement. Elections should be held under an impartial supervision (President's Rule) as there are enough facts and fears to prove that the security scenario is not normal. It is wrong argument that this will become a precedent whenever assembly elections are held, as Gujarat is a special case. I think the BJP is trying to blow it out of proportion. All other states in India have normal day to day functioning of law and order. Arun Jaitley needs to get his arguments right specially when he makes such wild arguments in the media. Such arguments are senseless and only go to show that the BJP has already laid the ground work for unrest during the elections. Elections are the best answer, but in case of Gujarat, it is best held under President's Rule.

Tue Jul 23 11:18:22 2002
Name:venkatesh.k.ramadas
Email:venkiisno1@yahoo.com
Your Views:It normalacy is restored no elections should be held

Tue Jul 23 11:18:33 2002
Name:A.G.Deshmukh
Email:agdeshmukh@rediffmail.com
Your Views: Such type of poltics is very harmful to India. All polticians first think about Khursi.they are not think about India. Nowadays BJP. goes through very wrong way.

Tue Jul 23 11:20:27 2002
Name:German Sheperd
Email:gsheperd1@yahoo.com
Your Views:No, the election has to be postponed for atleast for a few months. As this will allow the people to heal from the injuries, mental/physical. Otherwise the people will be under the fear of retailation if they, BJP loses, and there could be a possibility that the minorities communities will not vote and it will not be a fair and free election.

Tue Jul 23 11:23:05 2002
Name:Sheetal Kiran
Email:sheetalkiran@indiainfo.com
Your Views:Modi's plan to take advantage of the polarised society is obvious, by sacrficing eigth months he wants to gain 5 years. As from media it seems that the victims are still not completely rehabilitated. If this is the case it is pure savagery by Modi. His reason for quitting the CM post that he want to shut oppositions mouths is rather shallow ...he could have better shut their mouths with his actions than a knee-jerk one like this. Unfortunately for Modi the opposition's mouths are more open than before.

Tue Jul 23 11:24:25 2002
Name:Dr Rajesh mevada
Email:hhyati_ad1@sancharnet.in
Your Views:Yes, elections are the one of the answers of quarries raised by "peudo-secularists". let the people speak for them selves. If elections can can be conducted in kashmir , why not in Gujarat?

Have you posted your views?