Look, Hu’s talking

Look, Hu's talking

In a candid confession, the outgoing president of China Hu Jintao has acknowledged that public anger over graft and issues like environmental degradation had undermined the authority of the Chinese Communist Party and the credibility of the government ('Hu identifies China's class enemy: graft', IE, November 9). He has warned incoming leaders that unless they promise corruption-free governance, the surging public protests could destabilise the government and undo all the economic achievements of the past decade. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh might have taken note of Hu's speech, on the eve of his address to the Congress party meet at Surajkund. At the brainstorming session, the party is supposed to have taken stock of the political and economic situation and evaluated its electoral prospects for 2014. But Congress leaders rarely give in to the kind of honest introspection found in Hu's farewell speech.

— V.S. Kaushik

Bangalore

In the clear

THIS refers to 'AP High Court lifts ban on Azharuddin' (IE, November 9). After 12 years, one of India's finest Test cricketers can celebrate the lifting of the life ban that cut him off from all association with cricket. Azharuddin was captain of the national team and has played 99 Tests for the country, but his career was cut short by allegations of match-fixing. Today, the veteran cricketer as well as

his fans must be very relieved that he has been cleared

of all charges. Unfortunately, he has lost a vital part of his career.

— S.N. Kabra

Mumbai

Draw the line

THE CAG has played a vital part in demanding financial accountability from the government ('Call to account', IE, November 9). Recently, the CAG has widened its ambit, from reporting on the legality of public expenditure it also comments on the propriety of such expenditure. Vinod Rai has strengthened the institution and ensured that it performs its function with great vigour. But with his recent statements, he seems to be overstepping the limits of his authority and violating the principle behind the institution itself. The CAG must work within the framework it has established.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Romance, finis

Hail, rain make a dent in kesar mango exports

tyuty