Apropos of your cover story, The August Question (Apr 30), isn’t it ironical that the top post in the world’s largest democracy is a topic of political strategies, votebank posturing, cheap intra- and inter-party games rather than an offering to the most deserving, capable, respected person? Look at the list of presidents we had. The first three (Rajendra Prasad, Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan and Zakir Hussain) were eminent Indians and well deserved the post. After this, the decay started. All we had were political appointees who were loyal to the ‘first family’ and served their interests well. Except for one, Dr A.P.J. Kalam. He was among the best presidents India has had and his five-year term was an honourable one. Thanks to Sonia Gandhi’s imperious fiat, he was not offered a second term and instead we got a president whose credentials were dubious and track record a laughing stock.
Ravi, on e-mail
Whether political or apolitical, what we need is a right-thinking candidate—like N.R. Narayana Murthy or the tried and tested Abdul Kalam. Parties must not involve the new incumbent in the cesspool of political bickering and tarnish the image of the presidency.
K.C. Kumar, Bangalore
I hope Dr Kalam and Mr Ansari will decline the invitation to become president because time and again it is repeated that they qualify because of their Muslim faith. Is this any way to start a new term?
Arun, Indore
Who do we want as president of India? Someone of impeccable character, who is not a politician, is sagacious, mature, secular, articulate, personable, well-educated and experienced in governance with a thorough knowledge of constitutional matters. No one fits this description better than Gopal Gandhi who, as president, would certainly do the nation proud. And Tara Gandhi would be the perfect first lady—representing in her person the best and most cherished of Indian values.
Anjolie Ela Menon, on e-mail
RJD leader Laloo Prasad Yadav’s suggestion for the elevation of Hamid Ansari is a sensible one. Suave and literate, he scarcely put a foot wrong as vice-president—except, of course, during that midnight mayhem in the Rajya Sabha.
K.P. Rajan, Mumbai
In all likelihood, it will be Pranab Mukherjee who gets sworn in by August 2012. Barring a minor discrepancy, the veteran has always been a loyal soldier of the Gandhis and the Congress party.
Venkatesh G. Iyer, Chennai
Will anyone remember that the country ever had a president by the name Pratibha Patil after July 2012? If at all she is remembered, it will be for the Rs 205 cr holiday trips with family to foreign lands.
Gilbert D’Souza, Bangalore
The office of president is ceremonial and must go to a person deemed an ornament of India. Dr Kalam is the best choice.
J.N. Bhartiya, Hyderabad
In the debate on the next president, one issue shouldn’t be lost sight of—26/11 accused Kasab’s mercy petition will come up before the next prez. Closure for all of us will only happen with his hanging. A president who gives Kasab another five years of chicken biriyani at state expense has no place in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
C.A. Chaly, Kochi
Dr Karan Singh, who missed out on the coveted post earlier due to comrade Prakash Karat’s objections, is the best choice. A scholar, a patriot and acceptable to all. If not him, Pranabda is the next best choice. This is the last chance for him. He should quit the Congress if he’s not offered the post.
K.R. Rao, Vijayawada
A non-political person would be the right choice for President of India. All the candidates whose names have been floated should be dropped.
S.K. Jha, Darbhanga
Really, how does it matter who the president is in our country? You might as well have a Tendulkar or a Salman Khan. I’m sure they will do better than some of the jokers we’ve had in the past. PS: Why not Ratan Tata, a dignified candidate for the high office?
Ravi Bedi, Jodhpur
