Mercy petition

Recently the Tamil Nadu assembly passed an unanimous resolution asking the President to reconsider the clemency appeal submitted by three of the death sentenced Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan who were involved in the killing of former Prime Minister Shri. Rajiv Gandhi. The Chief Minister J.Jayalalitha stated that this is done to 'respect the sentiments of the people of the state'.

1. There is no fool proof way to measure the correct sentiments of the public
2. We cannot hide from the fact that the members of the assembly or parliament are not anymore the true representatives of the aam janta.
3. More importantly, judgments cannot be amended based on reported sentiments. This is equivalent to disobey the laws we have made to run the nation.

Omar's tweet responding to the Tamil Nadu assembly resolution is interesting. A fair question that would arise in anybody's mind. We do not want TN assembly to set precedence on this. In no time J&K could come with a resolution favoring Afzal Guru and Punjab favoring Devender Pal Singh Bhullar's and so on...

Once Supreme court sentences someone to death, ideally, there must not be anything above it. The provision for President to overrule it is meant for just the rarest of rare cases. These days, almost all death sentence go up to the President's office.

From today, our nation will adopt the below on mercy petitions to the President:

1. The mercy petition filed to the President's office will bear an expiry date of 3 years from the date of receipt post which it defaults to the Supreme Court's original decision
2. There cannot be any debate or re-appeal by any government body or individual or institution once the president's decision is announced
3. Act of terrorism, proven planned homicide and genocide cannot appeal for mercy from the President

Educating our MPs

For decades the question of setting an eligibility for our politicians has always been a debate without any outcome.

It is definitely a difficult decision. No university degree can ensure honesty and leadership, neither the absence of it. With the sad state of prevalent corruption there is always the fear of people purchasing such degrees if it is mandated, defeating the very purpose.

Our history has always seen remarkable leaders who were not academically educated and we cannot miss an opportunity of someone who could emerge like that in future too.

I would like to come up with a plan which will not restrict the entry into politics but once in, I will enforce the basics.

1. No eligibility for the first time MPs
2. Once they are in, they must undergo a 3-4 years of training(within the 5 years term). The curriculum and course will be defined by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. It will include Indian history, economics, political science, geography as the basics.
3. A basic grade will be required to be accomplished for anyone to become an MP again, they can continue their studies if they lose their Membership of parliament democratically but the cost must be then borne by their party/self.
4. Anyone to become a cabinet minister MUST have completed an advanced course prescribed by the board.

Our growth speed cannot be continued anymore with ignorance in power.