Letters to The Editor — March 17, 2026

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Parliamentary proceedings

Reams have been written about the proceedings in Parliament. Yet, the ‘temple of democracy’ often resembles a marketplace. Questions are vital to governance as they expose flaws, but voices are frequently muted when they are raised. Listening appears to be on the wane, while the ruling party and the Opposition behave like bitter adversaries. Disagreements need not be uncivil. By watching their representatives quarrel instead of seeking solutions, citizens can only reflect on the irony of such conduct in Parliament.

Balasubramaniam Pavani,

Secunderabad

Election conduct

It was ironic to hear the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India speak about democracy ahead of the Assembly elections. The CEC was right in saying that pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of any democracy (Inside pages, March 16). But the conduct of elections must also be free, fair, and impartial, with complete transparency at every stage. Democracy in elections will be meaningful only if the Election Commission of India recognises that it is an independent institution.

D. Sethuraman,

Chennai

The Election Commission of India appears to have ensured that its own considerations take precedence over those of the electorate in the election dates it has announced. In Tamil Nadu, the polling date of April 23 falls in one of the hottest phases of the year. The day is also considered auspicious for weddings, and several temple kumbabishekams are scheduled to take place. In 2023, poll dates in Rajasthan and Mizoram were revised due to local considerations.

A.V. Narayanan,

Chennai