• This refers to ‘Control manufacturing process of EVMs’. Should the Election Commission not have addressed doubts over EVMs after Jayalalithaa’s boycott of them? Now their reliability is being questioned even further, naturally raising doubts amongst the public as well. EVMs might ensure more transparency in the voting process — but faith in the mechanism is mandatory.

— Manoj Parashar Noida

Debating residences

• The Indian Express should be commended for its expose on ministers S. M. Krishna and Shashi Tharoor. It has now, more than ever, become clear that the pen commands immense power and can yield results. The ministers have both provided reasons for their stay — namely, that the money spent was their own. Unfortunately this does not suffice as they are now public servants and therefore have to follow the rules and regulations of the party and government they represent.

— C.G. Sivakumaran

New Delhi

• It is surprising that ministers live such lavish lives. Shashi Tharoor has explained that his stay was financed by himself, but the statement is merely an excuse, not an acceptable explanation. Perhaps the minister should be reminded that as public figure he should ensure that the people he represents associate with him.

— Selwin Colaco

Surat

• News that ministers indulge in such luxury is shocking. Since the ministers have been provided with accommodation, their hotel stay, for whatever reason, is against the practices of the party. Further it sends mixed signals to both the government and the public at a time when the PM has appealed to ministers to voluntarily undergo a cut in their wages. This is undeniably the wrong impression to send to the people.

... contd.