SIR debate, electoral trust

With the top court upholding the validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted in Bihar, and the Election Commission clarifying its position on the exercise and stating that its decisions were taken unanimously, the legal position on the SIR has been substantially settled. It is difficult to understand why the Opposition and some television channels continue to question the exercise. Voters have exercised their franchise in favour of both the National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition in different elections. Where, then, is the justification for questioning the Chief Election Commissioner when a party loses an election? Earlier, the Electronic Voting Machine was blamed; now the Chief Election Commissioner is being questioned. It is undeniable that voters consider their sense of security and the quality of leadership when making their electoral choices.

S. Seshadri,

Chennai

Celebrating victory

I write this letter as a former Deputy General Manager (Sports Department), Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). Whenever athletes win medals at major international sporting events, photographers frequently ask them to hold the medal between their teeth and pose. Indian sportspersons have also increasingly followed this international practice. The medal-biting pose is mainly a modern sports photography tradition. It is sometimes associated with the old image of biting gold to test its authenticity. However, modern Olympic gold medals are not made of solid gold, and there is no sporting rule requiring an athlete to bite a medal. Could India develop its own dignified and distinctive way of celebrating sporting success? For example, Indian medal winners could be encouraged to hold the medal near their heart, raise it proudly alongside the Indian Tricolour, salute the National Flag, or adopt another respectful pose representing India’s cultural identity. There is nothing wrong with following an international photographic tradition, but there can be a change.

J.L.V. Sastry,

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh