The Seshan Chat
The Kashmir elections were not, repeat not, rigged, says Seshan
Here is the transcript of Chief Election Commissioner
T N Seshan's conversations with visitors
to Rediff On The NeT's chat room on Tuesday, July 16. The
transcript has been left mostly unedited so that those who missed
the event can recover the mood of the session:
AM(TUE JUL 16 19:51:29 1996 IST)
Mr Seshan, in your tenure as CEC have
you ever had a situation when you've been frustrated and said
'this is it, I can't go beyond this?'
MR. T N SESHAN(TUE JUL 16 19:56:28 1996 IST)
This is Rediff, live, from AB4 Pandara
Road, better known to residents as the address of Mr T N Seshan.
The chief election commissioner is here right now, and ready to
answer questions... so, over to Mr Seshan...
MR. T N SESHAN(TUE JUL 16 19:57:15 1996 IST)
To am: No sir. Never.
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 19:59:23 1996 IST):
sir, do you think your winning the Magsaysay
Award is a slap on the face of the government and other officials
who had been trying to curb you?
SUDARSHANA-DHARAMYUG (TUE JUL 16 20:00:08 1996
IST):
Mr. Seshan What sort of future you forsee for a country that penalises
Khernar and elects Phoolan Devi as its representative??
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:00:50 1996 IST):
From Nicholas Anderson, Tulsa, USA Will
Indian democracy survive? In the West, we feel despondent about
democracy in Asia and other Third World nations? What makes Indian
democracy so resilient?
CHINU (TUE JUL 16 20:01:07 1996 IST):
Hello Mr Seshan: what next politics?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:01:19 1996 IST):
To ?Sumit: There really is no question
of saying this party oor that party is better. In any case, I
can't say this. Many parties have candidates who are better off
not being there. If we have to prevent criminal and other such
elements from participating in the elections, Parliament has to
pass the laws, which, unfortunately, have been slow in coming.
Will the elections continue at least as good as they have been
recently? I am a great optimist. And my successor would perhaps
do this with greater finesse than me. I am a great believer.
CHINU (TUE JUL 16 20:03:37 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: What next......politics??
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:03:40 1996 IST):
To Chinu: Patriotism and politics is the
last refuge of tthe scou. I have no desire to get into what currently
passes off for politics but if I can wipe one tear from one eye,
if I can clean up one square foot, that politics is mine.
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:04:57 1996 IST):
from rishi, india sir, do you think your
winning the magsaysay award was a slap on the face of the government
and the officials who had been trying to curb and impede you some
time ago? Pls reply, this is the second time i am asking
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:05:47 1996 IST):
Nicholas Anderson: Mine is a democracy
whih was one long before some others came out of the caves. Mine
is a heritage of tolerance though not recently. And democracy
will survive in India long after the rest ofthe world has killed
each other.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:05:50 1996 IST):
From Raghavan N R Who is the most dangerous
adversary you have tangled with during your tenure?
CHINU (TUE JUL 16 20:06:22 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: Is Shilpa still your heart
throb, she no longer is on the scene!
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:07:06 1996 IST):
Dear Sir, do you think the poll clean-up process which you
started will continue or things will slip back to what they were
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:07:33 1996 IST):
From Alex Bartholmew, New York City: What
does it feel to be a messiah in a nation so devoid of hope and
heroes? Is it a burden? Do you enjoy the role?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:07:54 1996 IST):
Rishi: If my award is a slap it would
be a tragedy. No it is not. It is that no man is really recognised
in his own backyyard. I am quite content.
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:09:05 1996 IST):
Dear sir, From the country's present state
of affairs is very clear-that all the politicians are corrupt-the
difference is only in the degree.please comment.
SUDARSHANA-DHARAMYUG (TUE JUL 16 20:09:46 1996
IST):
Mr. Seshan Thanks for the confidence that you have shown in the
ability of women to guide this country out of the chaos that has
been created by the politicians. How would you go about empowering
them to be able to do this??
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:09:54 1996 IST):
Bartolomew: No it is not a burden, it
is a duty. And I reveln carrying this burden.
AM (TUE JUL 16 20:10:13 1996 IST):
From AM, Mr Seshan when and how do you
think the state of Bihar will be able to have fair elections,
where there is no blood shed and reduced electoral malpractices.
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:11:47 1996 IST):
:-):-)
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:12:04 1996 IST):
From : Mahesh, Texas: Mr Seshan, elections in Kashmir... will
it work? Or is it just a solidarity measure on part of India,
in that state? I know, it is the one and the only option left,
but introspectively, will it work? If so, how?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:12:07 1996 IST):
Dharmayug: Send my girls to school and
because they are girls, before you give them food give them skirts,
because the boy will go to school on a torn trouser, but my daughter
needs an untorn skirt. Education is the fundamental for the empowerment
of my women.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:12:33 1996 IST):
From: Probhakar Krishnamurthy, California. Mr Seshan, Let
me not bore you by complimenting or thanking for all your laudable
deeds done sitting at Nirvachan Bhavan. Should I attempt to do
it, I am sure I would not be doing justice on any conservative
estimate. Assume there are 3 parties X, Y And Z. I Hate Y and
vote for X (though carry indifference towards Z). Now X joins
hands with Y to form a government, necessitated by the laws of
majority or something. Should I assume that by voting for X, I
not only endorse their day to day decisions in running the government,
but also their choice to join any party against whose favour I
cast my vote. Why can't the political parties's intentions to
go for a coalition with any other party or parties be registered
and regulated by the EC? It looks like a mockery to see a party
joining hands with some other party against whom they would have
won seats elsewhere. If it were registered and regulated, I would
make a better and informed decision while casting my vote. I am
personally overwhelmed when I see your reply, because that would
be my first letter from the great T N Seshan.
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:14:39
1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: What do u plan to do after
retirement?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:14:48 1996 IST):
Mahesh: You bet it wwill. In May-June,
we did a very good Parliamentary elections and come September,
we will give you a good Assembly election. No sir, it will not
be a mere last resort, it will be a fair and free election.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:15:48 1996 IST):
From Dharmesh Shah, Mumbai How do you
account for the transformation from the order-implementing bureaucrat
you were for almost all your life to the dragonslayer and hero
of Indian democracy? Were you waiting all these years to strike
back at the ills that plague Indian democracy?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:16:06 1996 IST):
Chandan Dubey: The good Lord will show
me the way. :)
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:16:43
1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: If you had a choice who would
you have as the PM of India Vajpayee or Dewe Gowda.
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:16:55 1996 IST):
rishi, india. mr seshan, in an interview
on tv, you had said that you would enter politics only if you
were in a position to do something (which implies at the top level
as pm). but is not this greed among all our politicians the cause
of so many of our problems?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:17:30 1996 IST):
Dharmesh Shah: To your second question,
yes. To the first, in Shakespeare's language, one man in his life
may play many parts.
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:17:47
1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: Is Shilpa Shetty still a heart
throb? I don't hear you *heartbreak?* :-)
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:18:25 1996 IST):
From : T L PrasathYou are the first and
only honest man in public life I have ever seen. Grand Salute
to you Sir. We want to know what are you going to do after you
complete your spectacular service as CEC due this year end. We
hope you will continue your crusade efforts. Our support will
be always for you
3D (TUE JUL 16 20:20:01 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: What can I do about my current
MP, Madhukar Sarpotdar, who has several cases of rioting registered
against him? Is there any way open to me to get him out of Parliament?
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:20:05
1996 IST):
How do u picture the election commission
sans your grandiloquent presence?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:20:56 1996 IST):
From Raghavan: How do you get along with
Messrs Gill and Krishnamurthy? After snubbing them for so long,
it must have been awful for you to accept them to accept them
as your peers?
BALA -TOI-MUMBAI (TUE JUL 16 20:20:58 1996 IST):
YOu have been accused of betraying democracy
by postponing the assembly elections in Punjab which were favoured
by the Chandrashekhar ministry. You agreed to hold the elections
but changed your mind when Narasimha Rao became the Prime minister.
How do you defend your somersault?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:21:28 1996 IST):
From : Subhra Sengupta, USAWhat is the
law on the participation in Elections of persons who have been
previously convicted of any crime? Are there any persons in the
present Parliament who been convicted? Can we get them out?
BHANJA (TUE JUL 16 20:21:45 1996 IST):
Is there hope for this nation?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:21:46 1996 IST):
3D: The Indian judicial system will still
help you out. Maybe take a little time, our justice will grind
slowlyy, but it will grind surely.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:22:01 1996 IST):
From: Sreedhar Sambukumar, India At the
outset, let me congratulate you on your achievements in EC &
the Magsaysay Award. I am in the software business & I have
a related question namely: Why can't the EC introduce electronic
voting? The amount of pilferage & malpractices can be dramatically
brought down. Not to mention the savings in terms of number of
people required to count and the speed at which results can be
announced.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:22:32 1996 IST):
From: Ravi Komarraju, USA When are we
going to have ID cards for each and every (E V E R Y) citizen
of India, even though he does not have 18 years of age.
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:22:46 1996 IST):
Bhanja: Mamaji, you bet there is great
hope while you and I are here...
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:22:48 1996 IST):
From: Mahesh, Texas Mr Seshan, looking
at the present picture of Indian Politics, it seems like it might
disintegrate to something like the previous situation in Italy,
elections every 6-12 months? Do you agree? Can India afford democracy
in such a situation?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:23:06 1996 IST):
From: PCM Mr Seshan, Congratulations for
Magsaysay!! What about your plans to prevent candidates with criminal
records from participating in elections in the near future? If
you could achieve any in this area it would be a lot better for
India. Thanks!!!
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:23:20 1996 IST):
From: Kabeer Punjabi, USA Mr Seshan, do you think that reforms
you implemented to keep election process clean will remain untouched
after you leave office? Do you have any plans to enter politics?
AM (TUE JUL 16 20:24:25 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, where do you see India in five years time?
DWIVEDI-DHARAMYUG (TUE JUL 16 20:24:25 1996 IST):
Don't you regret the amount of money and
labour that was wasted on the I-Cards which just turned to nought??
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:24:32 1996 IST):
Ravi, USA: Please address all such questions
to the Prime Minister of India, South Block, New Delhi - 110 0000000.....
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:25:04 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan, Mumbai: Sir, you are
an astrologer. What is the future for you? For India?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:25:46 1996 IST):
Dwivedi: To any one who says money spent
on ID cards was a waste, my condolences.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:26:28 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan,Mumbai: Most young Indians
despair of politics, and politicians. How do you think we can
get this generation to come and vote?
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:26:35 1996 IST):
from coomi why are people who have been
to jail and face criminal charges including that of rape and murder,
arson, looting, etc, allowed to stand for elections. what kind
of role models are we providing our future generations who today
have few heroes to look up to?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:26:47 1996 IST):
Ron: My future is safe in your hands.
India's future is safe in ours.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:26:51 1996 IST):
From : John, USA Mr Seshan, If you get
a chance, are you interested to be the prime minister of the Republic
of India?
AM (TUE JUL 16 20:27:19 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, among the MP's elected from
Uttar Pradesh, most were connected with the Babri mabjid demolition
episode. How does the governance - the beuraucracy of this country
account for this?
SUNIL-PIONEER (TUE JUL 16 20:27:40 1996 IST):
Does it not shake your faith in the electorate
when someone like Phoolan Devi is voted to parliament??
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:27:59 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, K N Rao, the renowned astrologer,
says that, astrologically speaking, the Deve Gowda government
will not last for long. What is your opinion
BALA -TOI-MUMBAI (TUE JUL 16 20:28:22 1996 IST):
I'm repeating my question, You have been
accused of betraying democracy by agreeing to hold the Punjab
assembly elections (during the Prime ministership of Chandrashekhar)
but later postponing the polls when Mr Rao became the PM. How
do you justify your somersault? S Bala Krishnan, Times of India,
Mumbai.
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:28:29 1996 IST):
Rishi/Coomi: You are right. We should
stop criminals from entering the legislatures. We need a new law.
?We need to urge Parliament tto pass such a law. Come then, let
us to the task.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:29:25 1996 IST):
From: Prakash Tendulkar (prakash@VNET.IBM.COM)
, San Jose, CA Mr Seshan, What do you consider as your biggest
achievement during your career? What do you think is your biggest
contribution to India?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:30:03 1996 IST):
Balakrishnan/TOI: My response to the Times
of India is similar to that between the New York Times and te
Washington Post. I need not to answer you.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:30:05 1996 IST):
From: Umesh Ramaswamy (RUMESH@nando.net>),
USA Is Mr Seshan a green card holder of USA?
DWIVEDI-DHARAMYUG (TUE JUL 16 20:30:21 1996 IST):
Where were the corrupt politicians when
you were having some of them for breakfast??
ABHIJIT (TUE JUL 16 20:30:33 1996 IST):
Dear Mr. Seshan, Congratulations for winning
the Magsasay Award. Why there is no minimum educational qualification
is required for legislators when they are supposed to write laws
even when a peon is required to have some. What is your relationship
with Mr. Chandraswami. We feel sorry to know that you are also
attracted by Chandraswami.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:31:05 1996 IST):
From : Punkej Kharabanda (), USA Dear
Sir, What happened about your election I-D cards. Will be used?
Because the person in charge of the voting booth said it is not
necessary? And what about the wrong information behind I-D cards?
What is going to be done?
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:31:15 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, Have you achieved everything
that you wanted to as CEC? Or are there any regrets?
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 20:31:50 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: Congratuations on the award..
We should say that we are proud of you when the american media
appluaded the general elections in India.. Keeping on such an
important job.. have you ever felt frustrated when dealing with
the Adminstrative structure in India...
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:31:56 1996 IST):
rishi, india sir, your opinion. everyone
seems to be targetting phoolan devi but they clearly forget that
she herself was a victim of injustice of our society and has served
her term in jail. but what about corrupt people who rob the country
and there is no case against them. can't we prevent them from
coming to power?
SUNIL-PIONEER (TUE JUL 16 20:32:01 1996 IST):
Which are the books that have shaped your
personality and thinking the most??
SHAMMI KAPOOR (TUE JUL 16 20:32:11 1996 IST):
Seshanji Namaskar _
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:32:16 1996 IST):
Prakash Tendulkar: Elections a little
cleaner, a litltle fairer. Bigest contibution, to make people
know that there is an Election Commission, that it is not a footmat
for cleanin dirty souls.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:32:17 1996 IST):
From : Sridhar (), USA Mr Seshan, your
efforts to cleanse the electorial system has won accolodes and
admiration from all Indians. It is clear that our polity is corrupt
and rotten to the extent that a cleanup requires great amount
of will and strength on the part of the Indian people. In what
ways can every citizen of the country contribute to bring about
a change for the better?
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:32:26 1996 IST):
Seshanji, hello. Why aren't people allowed
to vote even when they have an I-Card? A very basic question
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:32:32
1996 IST):
Mr Seshn: What is the one big change that
India needs?
3D (TUE JUL 16 20:32:42 1996 IST):
Also Mr Seshan: ANy thoughts on reforming
the current first-past-the-post electoral system so we get a better
representation in Govt? PErhaps a seat representation to parties
in Parliament to reflect voting percentages, like Germany has?
-dilip d'souza
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:33:20 1996 IST):
From: Mahesh (mahesh@ttacs.ttu.edu), Texas
Mr Seshan let me start by saying that, I'm a student and not a
journalist. Sir I wanted to ask you what exactly is the cause
for the present pathetic situation of Indian so called DEMOCRATIC
system. I know there is no one cause, what I mean is the most
obvious and primary cause? Is it the multiparty system, population,
illiteracy diversity, religion, poverty, corruption, or what?
SHAMMI KAPOOR (TUE JUL 16 20:33:25 1996 IST):
When can we expect to have a majority
of honest people like you in the country????
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:33:26 1996 IST):
Sunil, Pioneer: One, the Bhagavad Gita,
and two, the Bible.
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:33:31
1996 IST):
Shammi Kapoorji: HI :-)
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:34:10 1996 IST):
Seshanji, with about 2 commissioners around
you, do you feel the heat of competition? Before this, you used
to make decisions yourself. And when 2 people were appointed you,
threw a tantrum, not recognizing the fact. Why so?
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 20:34:13 1996 IST):
Hello Mr. Seshan: Did you cast your vote
this time.. In the past you had maintained that you never did
that?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:34:15 1996 IST):
Shammi Kapoor: When you and I join forces.
BALA -TOI-MUMBAI (TUE JUL 16 20:34:19 1996 IST):
You have been accused of being a lap dog
of the Nehru dynasty. How exactly did you become a bull dog? Michael
Foras, Mumbai
BHANJA (TUE JUL 16 20:34:28 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: I am trying to imagine if people
write to you giving suggestions on how best to improve elections
in India. How many such suggestions, or percentage, are really
implementable?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:34:37 1996 IST):
From : Mahesh, (mahesh@ttacs.ttu.edu),Texas Mr Seshan why
do Mr Honest kind of guy's shy away from politics? Fear of getting
tainted or what?
ASHOK ( IST):
TN Seshan, why cant you do the same things
without sounding arrogant, holier than thou, rude and patronising.
Good work can be done without the above.
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:35:11 1996 IST):
I mean 2 election commissioners Seshanji
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:35:22 1996 IST):
Meena: I always cast my vote. Sometimes
I tell the truth.
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:36:17 1996 IST):
When do you lie, Mr Seshan?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:36:31 1996 IST):
Ashok: I agree. Good work can be done
without you and I being what we are.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:36:53 1996 IST):
From : Mahesh, (mahesh@ttacs.ttu.edu),Texas
Mr Seshan why do Mr Honest kind of guy's shy away from politics?
Fear of getting tainted or what? I'm asking you because people
like Gen. Powell in United States, inspite of a big popular support
shied away from politics, and the same seems to be with you don't
you think it would be a the right thing for you to get into politics,
the kinda party that suits your ideals (if there is one)?
SAURAV (TUE JUL 16 20:36:55 1996 IST):
From Saurav Sen/India TodayDont you feel
sad that all your efforts at cleansing Indian politics will go
back to square one once you retire?
BHANJA (TUE JUL 16 20:37:00 1996 IST):
Is there hope for this nation?
NITIN (TUE JUL 16 20:37:19 1996 IST):
From Nitin Sharma, Univ. of Washington,
Seattle (USA) Mr Seshan, Congrats! for giving the country a fantastic
election, for putting a tight leash on the politicians, for ensuring
that by and large, even the criminals among them stuck to rules!
And of course, for the Magsaysay! But good elections dont necessarily
install good govts, as we painfully witness everyday now. As long
as the quality of our political leadership remains same, we'll
have continue to have the same kind of governance. The voter currently
has the choice between the Devil and Deep Sea. My question to
you is not as CEC, but as a concerned, senior and wise citizen.
How can we make democracy deliver good govts ? What can we, as
citizens, do to get better kind in public life? How can we bring
back high standards in public life? How do we build a dynamic,
progressing India? If you think this is worth replying to....
AM (TUE JUL 16 20:37:40 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, where do you see India in Five
years time?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:37:41 1996 IST):
Shilpa: Are you the film star? I do not
tell lies whenever I am speaking the truth.
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:37:45
1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: IS SHILPA SHETTY STILL YOUR
HEART THROB?
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:38:47 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, do you think that Saurav is
right? That the indian political scenario will return to square
one once you retire
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:38:47 1996 IST):
AM: In five years, phir subah hogi!
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:38:59 1996 IST):
who is your idol and the person you look
up to? any politician! PLEASE ANSWER THIS
QUESTION :-)
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:39:15
1996 IST):
SHAMMI KAPOORji DO YOU YAHOOO?:-)
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:39:28 1996 IST):
From : Ravi Prakash, (salagame@almaden.ibm.com)
California Mr Seshan, Although there is a strong awareness in
India about criminalisation of politics, a very little is being
done about it. As a CEC, you have done a splendid job of bringing
some discipline into our chaotic electoral system. For a common
man, it seems obvious that ruthless politicians who had past criminal
records should be denied a contest for the public office forever.
Is it difficult for you, as as CEC, to mobilise public support
and legislate this move? Is it not in the preview of election
commission?
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:39:36 1996 IST):
No, Mr Seshan, I'm not a film star? But
I'm curious, how does one know when you are speaking the truth?
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:40:15 1996 IST):
Seshanji, The elections were a success.
It is said that MP's went overbudget in their spending, And that
includes Atal Behari Vajpayee & Shri PVNR. Any action against
them?
Sukanya (Tue Jul 16 20:40:44 1996 IST):
Are you a megalomaniac?? (please do answer)
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:40:44 1996 IST):
Shilpa: The Indian poliical scenario is
now on the upward curve. It will not look back. Chandan Dubey:
And for every Shilpa, there is an Urmila.
AM (TUE JUL 16 20:41:19 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, amongst the MP's elected from
U.P, most were connected with the Babri Masjid episode. How does
the governance the beauraucracy of this country account for this?
BHANJA (TUE JUL 16 20:41:19 1996 IST):
If India were to have presidential form
of government, like in the USA, will it make any difference to
electioneering? Will the right kind of people come up to occupy
the highest office in land?
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:41:37 1996 IST):
Seshanji... I think you would be a very
good villain in films. People would love to see you in that role
:-)
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:41:43 1996 IST):
Sukanya: No I am not. I am a micromaniac.
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:41:47 1996 IST):
sir, i strongly suspect shilpa is not
shetty
SHAMMI KAPOOR (TUE JUL 16 20:41:55 1996 IST):
__
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:42:03 1996 IST):
Thank you Mr Seshan. But will you please
tell me, how does one know when you are speaking the truth?
SAURAV (TUE JUL 16 20:42:35 1996 IST):
From Saurav Sen/India TodayWhat is important
to you, the end or the means?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:42:37 1996 IST):
AGS: THE LAW WILL TAKE ITS COURSE...
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:42:40 1996 IST):
From: Sherpa (K2 Dear Sir, for the past
decade, India's internal security is slowly deteriorating. I mean
bombing there, shooting here, shooting there and so on. Some of
these actions are orchestrated allegedly by Pakistan, LTTE, China
and Internal religious and language fanatics. Except for adding
an additional V instead of VIP and categorizing security levels
form Z~A in the decending order nothing has been done in a careful
thought out manner to eradicate this serious problem for the PEACE
loving common men and women of India. I think this alone is going
to haunt India in the next century. Sir, if you are given authority
by the People (not the parliamentarians, not some politically
appointed judges) will you take UNEVEN counter measures against
these criminal elements like Israel (going after Hesballah). What
would you propose to improve the performance of security personeel
in India from Policeman on the beat to Think Tank orgs. I won't
be able to attend your live Chat, and I would very much appreciate
your answer. Thank you in advance.
AM (TUE JUL 16 20:43:00 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, do I get the feeling that you
are evading serious questions and going for the frivolous?
ASHOK (TUE JUL 16 20:43:14 1996 IST):
were the Kashmiri voters forced. You have
denied it but not strongly enough or categorically as one would
have expected
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 20:43:19 1996 IST):
Hello Mr. Seshan: From your talk you (indirectly)
seems to believe in Hitler !! Are you ?? You seem to have made
so many enemies ?? I sometimes wonder if you have any friends
???
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:43:51 1996 IST):
Saurav: I am happiest when, like you,
I have crossed the hundred at Lord's. Jokes apart, the ends never
justified the means
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:44:05 1996 IST): Mr
Seshan, If you stand for elections, which party will you represent?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:44:37 1996 IST):
AGS: So please send the film contract
and the cash.
LAMA (TUE JUL 16 20:44:46 1996 IST):
Sir, What do you suggest to Mr Rao ?
Mr. T N Seshan (Tue Jul 16 20:45:30 1996 IST):
Shilpa: The only party to which I belong
is my wife's party.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:45:53 1996 IST):
From Poyyai Lakshmanan: Someone on this
chat asked you how you had managed the transformation from meek
civil servant to tough guy. You have not responded to that query,
Sir. It would be nice if you could respond to these and other
serious questions.
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:46:21 1996 IST):
Meena: Heil! When you are there, why should
I seek any other friend?
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:46:32 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan I remember reading somewhere
that you've accepted an offer to act in a film. Could you please
tell us a little more about it?
LAMA (TUE JUL 16 20:47:07 1996 IST):
--
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:47:07
1996 IST):
You are serious about being a vegetarian?
Why, you could chew a person alive!(: (:
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:47:15 1996 IST):
lama: The best place for a lama is Tibet.
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:47:18 1996 IST):
Seshanji... I will ELECT who I wanna choose
for the villains role :-)
SHAMMI KAPOOR (TUE JUL 16 20:47:27 1996 IST):
Sir some day our efforts will carry all
our weight definitely show good results :-):-):-)
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:47:32 1996 IST):
from Coomi. What advice would you give
to students who will be tomorrow's leaders?
HINDUSTANI (TUE JUL 16 20:47:35 1996 IST):
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH DHIRUBHAI
AMBANI? YOU TRAVELLED IN HIS AIRPLANE AND CLAIMED THAT YOU PAID
HIM THROUGH CHEQUE. THE ALLEGATION IS THAT YOU WERE REIMBURSED
IN CASH. PLCOMMENT.
AM (TUE JUL 16 20:47:46 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan we'd appreciate if you'd skip
the lighter side and answer some serious questions?
SUKANYA (TUE JUL 16 20:48:38 1996 IST):
Somewhere on the way you lost that innocence
and spontaneity that you started with. Even now you are evading
serious questions like seasoned politicians. WHY??
LAMA (TUE JUL 16 20:48:40 1996 IST):
--
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:49:26 1996 IST):
Later, DS, later!
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 20:49:49 1996 IST):
Thank you, Mr. Seshan for considering
me your friend... I hope I'll be always proud of my friend !!!
Did you ever have a role model for you.. Come on, won't you confide
that to your friend....
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:49:59 1996 IST):
Poyyai Lakshmanan: I am sorry that some
questions needed to be answered the way they were. I was never
meek. A civil servant sees, he listens, he never speaks. I must
tell you that as a civil servant I was tougher than the toughest.
But you did not see me. Now you see me (now you don't). Toughness
was my initials. And fear was not a word in my dictionary. One
day, some day, I shall tell you all. But I have not been transformed.
LAMA (TUE JUL 16 20:50:28 1996 IST):
--
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:50:44
1996 IST):
What's the next modelling assignment after
safal? Siljams?
DS (TUE JUL 16 20:51:03 1996 IST):
Hi shipa ! Tell me who are & where
are you calling from .Sorry to iterrupt in between the conversation
with Mr.Seshn .I am confused
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:51:11 1996 IST):
Shilpa: There are several offers. In fact
special scripts have been written for me. I wait for the day of
my deliverance.
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:52:06 1996 IST):
TN Seshanji... hope you would become the
Prime Minister of the country... Only if you could..... haaaaaash!
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 20:52:25 1996 IST):
Seshan Saheb, Do you think Rao should
arrested.
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:52:35 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan What about Hindustani's question
about Mr Dhirubhai Ambani?
SUNIL-PIONEER (TUE JUL 16 20:52:52 1996 IST):
You have the public image of a fearless,
eloquent crusader. Is there a private Seshan who is any different??
ABHIJIT (TUE JUL 16 20:52:54 1996 IST):
Dear Mr. Seshan, I am still awaiting answer
to my questions. 1. Why M.P. or M.L.A do not require to possess
any minimum educational qualifications. 2. How an honest man like
you had ever known Mr. Chandraswami, personally. Is Mr. Chandraswami
is a spritual leader to you also. What is your comment about Mr.
Chandraswami.
3-D (TUE JUL 16 20:52:55 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: Any thoughts on reforming the
first-past-the-post electoral system? Any possibility of for example
giving parties seats according to the percentage of votes they
get, as in Germany? Why have we tolerated 50 years of Independence
during which no party has ever enjoyed more than 40-45% of voter
support? -dilip d'souza
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 20:53:28 1996 IST):
--
AGS (TUE JUL 16 20:53:31 1996 IST):
Seshanji... you are looking for a movie
with Shilpa Shetty! Don't lie!! Hehhahhahah
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:53:36
1996 IST):
So Mr Seshan oops Mr Bombastic !!! ??!!!Vachanam
Kim Daridrata
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:53:48 1996 IST):
From: Sreedhar Sambukumar (sreedhar@vsnl.net.in),
India At the outset, let me congratulate you on your achievements
in EC & the Magsaysay Award. I am in the software business
& I have a related question namely: Why can't the EC introduce
electronic voting? The amount of pilferage & malpractices
can be dramatically brought down. Not to mention the savings in
terms of number of people required to count and the speed at which
results can be announced.
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:53:49 1996 IST):
Coomi: For today's student, the best you
can do for yourself, your parents, your society, you country is
to be the best student. Understand all that is going on around
you, your time will come, meanwhile, don't merely learn knowledge.
Learn wisdom. Acquire character. Without character a human being
is no better than an animal.
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 20:54:09 1996 IST):
Seshan Saheb, Do you think Rao should
be arrested ?
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:54:39
1996 IST):
MR SESHAN WHAT ABOUT HINDUSTANI'S QUESTION
ABOUT DHIRUBHAI AMBANI???
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 20:55:27 1996 IST):
Seshan Saheb, Do you think Rao should
be arrested ?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:56:00 1996 IST):
Sreedhar : Electronic Voting we will need
to buy well over 1.5 milion machines. And at a conservative 10000
rupees per m/c the no. will go beyond the skies. Apparently we
dont have the cash.
RISHI (TUE JUL 16 20:57:06 1996 IST):
mr seshan, forget all these ridiculous
questions on politics, elections, ambani, shilp and urmila. Do
tell us something about your beginning, and how you have come
to occupy the present positionn?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 20:57:13 1996 IST):
--
SHAMMI KAPOOR (TUE JUL 16 20:57:16 1996 IST):
Sir once I heard you on the Filmfare platform
and I think it was the Best Award winning perormance
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 20:57:24 1996 IST):
From: Mahesh, (mahesh@ttacs.ttu.edu),
Texas Mr Seshan, looking at the present picture of Indian Politics,
it seems like it might disintegrate to something like the previous
situation in Italy, elections every 6-12 months? Do you agree?
Can India afford democracy in such a situation?
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:57:32 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan You have not replied to Mr Hindustani's
question about Mr Dhirubhai Ambani
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:57:48 1996 IST):
Dilip : Nations in the world have gone
back & forth on first past the post and proportional. Both
have advtgs & disadvtgs. But as far as Iam concerned Parliament
must legislate. Whatever they give me we shall implement.
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 20:57:58 1996 IST):
Hello Mr. Seshanji.. I and some of my
friends from here Western Michigan Uni, USA.. wish to start a
Fan Club for u. Do you have any objection for that. Can u come
and visit with us then...
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 20:58:26 1996 IST):
--
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 20:58:49 1996 IST):
Shammiji, Bus! What are you angling for?
A role in Mr Seshan's next venture?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 20:59:01 1996 IST):
--
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 20:59:37 1996 IST):
Mahesh : The question is not can we afford
democracy it is can we afford not to have one. No better system
has been found and 50 years of elections have shown that India
will overcome.
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 20:59:55
1996 IST):
Shammiji its no good sounding filmi all
the time YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:00:06 1996 IST):
--
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:00:08 1996 IST):
rediff... got my message?
ASHOK (TUE JUL 16 21:00:12 1996 IST):
seshan, you did not answer me on Kashmir's
elections. Did the army force people to vote?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:00:31 1996 IST):
From: Kabeer Punjabi (kabeer@ix.netcom.com),
USA Mr Seshan, do you think that reforms you implemented to keep
election process clean will remain untouched after you leave office?
Do you have any plans to enter politics?
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:00:58
1996 IST):
Hi Chandra are you Chandra Swami and why
are you speechless??:-)
SUKANYA (TUE JUL 16 21:01:07 1996 IST):
Chandra -- Are you Chandraswami:-(:-(:-o
HINDUSTANI (TUE JUL 16 21:01:12 1996 IST):
DO YOU BELIEVE IN SADHUS?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:01:18 1996 IST):
-
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:01:28 1996 IST):
From : John, (kjohn@pbi.net) USA Mr Seshan,
If you get a chance, are you interested to be the prime minister
of the Republic of India?
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:01:41 1996 IST):
suparn... if you listening, please cut
the page size.. it taking a long tme to reload
BALLOT BOX (TUE JUL 16 21:01:53 1996 IST):
sir I am the poor ballot box. I have a
complaint. People kidnap me, stuff me with their desired stamps,
pull me out and don't count me, dump me in the woods and my innards
are never counted. Sir, I am the most desired and yet the most
despised. Can you help me?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:01:56 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, How do you define 'dharma'
?
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:02:19
1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: What is the difference between
god and SESHAN
3-D (TUE JUL 16 21:02:33 1996 IST):
But Mr Seshan, even if Parliament must
legislate (on 1st past the post and so on), can't the EC play
a role in advising such reforms? As a knowledgeable overseer of
elections here, you must have some opinions that you can either
make public or pass on to people who can start putting legislation
into place. No? -dilip d'souza
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:02:43 1996 IST):
Rishi : I was born as a very small baby
and grew by dint of sheer effort. Godfathers were totally absent.
Whatever I achieved I did so by the sweat of my brow. My horoscope
helped and I climbed every rung of the ladder by tenacious effort.
There were many who tried to stamp on my fingers as I held on
to the rungs of the ladder. My fingers are painless because my
heart is the heart of ten. Fear is not a word and at 63 I still
put in an honest 18 hrs a day. What else can I tell you Mr. Rishi??
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:03:14 1996 IST):
Seshanji.. does the Magsaysay award mean
a lot to you? Does that signal the end of the road for your achievements,
or does that propel you to do more for the Indian scene
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:03:26 1996 IST):
Suknya, We do have a pentium installed
in tihar cyber club. Come on join in.
SUKANYA (TUE JUL 16 21:04:11 1996 IST):
We are on the threshold of the 21st century
and you are talking about horoscopes??
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:04:37 1996 IST):
Ballot box : And yet still we counted
three hundered and thirty three million votes from inside you
to elect this Parliament even you cant be more greedy.
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:04:42 1996 IST):
Suknya, Have you heard me ?
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:04:55
1996 IST):
MR SESHAN MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 18 APRIL
1973 I was BORN AT ONE THIRTY AFTERNOON ......TELL ME MORE ABOUT
MY FUTUTE PLEASE...MY DADS VERY CURIOUS ABOUT WHEN I'LL GET MARRIED???
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:05:13 1996 IST):
Hey Chandan, I can answer the difference
between God & Seshan. God is not an election commissioner
& neither does he like Shilpa Shetty alot. God is also of
3 words :-) :-) :-)
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:05:25 1996 IST):
--
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 21:05:40 1996 IST):
Mr
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:06:10 1996 IST):
From: Prakash Tendulkar (prakash@VNET.IBM.COM)
, San Jose, CA Mr Seshan, What do you consider as your biggest
achievement during your career? What do you think is your biggest
contribution to India?
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 21:06:51 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, where do you see yourself five
years from now? Where do you see India?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:06:52 1996 IST):
--
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:07:22 1996 IST):
Chandan : I thought you were married several
times over. Otherwise surely you cannot have so many questions.
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:08:00
1996 IST):
AGS Thanks for noticing me, I dont mind
Mr Seshan neglecting me any more.!!
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:08:01
1996 IST):
AGS Thanks for noticing me, I dont mind
Mr Seshan neglecting me any more.!!
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:08:09 1996 IST):
:-)
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:08:15 1996 IST):
Suknya, Thanks for accepting the invitation
!
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:08:27 1996 IST):
seshanji, have you actually experienced
Internet before this? Do you plan to implement infotech in a large
scale in the forthcoming years?
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:08:41 1996 IST):
:-(
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:08:48 1996 IST):
From : Mahesh, (mahesh@ttacs.ttu.edu),Texas
Mr Seshan why do Mr Honest kind of guy's shy away from politics?
Fear of getting tainted or what? I'm asking you because people
like Gen. Powell in United States, inspite of a big popular support
shied away from politics, and the same seems to be with you don't
you think it would be a the right thing for you to get into politics,
the kinda party that suits your ideals (if there is one)?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:09:04 1996 IST):
ags: Magasasay is happiness, it is elation,
it is humbling , it $ 50,000, it is good for the bank a/c but
you bet that it is the begining and not the end. Watch this space.
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:09:37 1996 IST):
Seshan Saheb, How do you define Dharma
?
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:09:38
1996 IST):
Mr SESHAN: Why arent you answering Dhirubhai
Ambanis by Hindustani?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:10:08 1996 IST):
From : Sridhar (sridhar@cs.concordia.ca),
USA Mr Seshan, your efforts to cleanse the electoral system has
won accolodes and admiration from all Indians. It is clear that
the polity is corrupt and rotten to the extent that a cleanup
requires great amount of will and strength on the part of the
Indian people. In what ways can every citizen of the country contribute
to bring about a change for the better?
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 21:10:26 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: My fan Club question... I want
to know whether we can open one for you...
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:10:52 1996 IST):
:
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 21:10:54 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan Why is it that you are avoiding
all the serious questions?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:11:19 1996 IST):
From P Lakshmanan: Where does T N Seshan
go from here?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:11:30 1996 IST):
\
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16
21:12:34 1996 IST):
Kabir : The elections in india will not
go back A less agressive succesor of mine will run it with greater
elan. No, there is no looking back. Chandra : All the browsers
and all the webs and all the nets and all the rest are not adequate
to tell you what Dharma is. If in your childhood you did not learn
the difference between right & wrong, if you did you need
no answer, if you did not, no answer will help you. God bless..
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:12:37 1996 IST):
from Coomi, are you really enjoying this
kind of getting close to the people? or do you think it a chore?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:12:51 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan: Tell us about your reverence
for the senior shankaracharya of Kanchi. What did he mean for
you? Was he the greaTEST influence in your life?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:13:22 1996 IST):
9
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:13:52 1996 IST):
Shammi Kapoor : Yes, we need to popularise
this, but how many can afford this. Let us try nevertheless.
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 21:13:54 1996 IST):
Mr. Seshanji; Okay if you don't agree
with Fan Club.. how about an official "T. N. Seshan Home
Page". I can take up the responsibility of maintaining it...
AM (TUE JUL 16 21:14:48 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, amongst the MP's elected from
U.P, most have been connected with the demolition episode. How
does the governance the bureacracy account for this?
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:15:04 1996 IST):
Seshanji... do you think... in your heart
of hearts that you have revolutionized the Indian Election scene?
You got recognition by MagsaySay award and all, But are you satisfied?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:15:21 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, You have been in Delhi for
very long now, do you have a suggestion to clear the mess in this
city ?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:16:08 1996 IST):
\
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:16:40 1996 IST):
sir, after reading your answers, which
have become less serious as the seshan session progressed, are
you going to write a book on "How to Avoid Serious Questions
and Answer Frivolous Ones":-(
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:17:14 1996 IST):
Sreedharan : If I had a soul there was
no better mentor than the Paramcharya of Kanchi.
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:17:51 1996 IST):
\
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:18:05 1996 IST):
From : Ravi Prakash, California Mr Seshan,
Although there is a strong awareness in India about criminalisation
of politics, a very little is being done about it. As a CEC, you
have done a splendid job of bringing some discipline into our
chaotic electoral system. For a common man, it seems obvious that
ruthless politicians who had past criminal records should be denied
a contest for the public office forever. Is it difficult for you,
as as CEC, to mobilise public support and legislate this move?
Is it not in the preview of election commission?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:18:59 1996 IST):
From: Samina Sheikh, Canada Mr Seshan,
since you are known to follow the Constitution very closely how
come you allow parties with a communal bent of mind like the BJP,
Shiv Sena and the Muslim League to contest the elections?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:19:04 1996 IST):
\
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:19:43
1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH
DHIRUBHAI AMBANI? YOU TRAVELLED IN HIS AIRPLANE AND CLAIMED THAT
YOU PAID HIM THROUGH CHEQUE. THE ALLEGATION IS THAT YOU WERE REIMBURSED
IN CASH.COMMENT PLS
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 21:19:56 1996 IST):
Hello Seshanji:.. Looks like you have
forgotten your friend so soon that you are not replying to me..
This is bad.. I don't expect that my friend...
SAURAV SEN /INDIA TODAY (TUE JUL 16 21:20:02 1996
IST):
How do you identify a godman from a corrupt
godman?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:20:11 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, Suggest some way out for us
Delhites, Please.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:20:20 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan: How can a man who worships
the Great Parmacharya ever have anything to do with Chandra Swami?
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:20:28 1996 IST):
Seshanji... who's books influence you
the most, if you read books?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:20:51 1996 IST):
=
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:20:58 1996 IST):
From P Lakshmanan: Name three Indians
you admire most.
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:21:11 1996 IST):
Meena : Please go full steam on the Seshan
Home Page provided you will meet all the expenses. Send me no
bills for payment. I am too poor. Sridhar USA : At the bottom
of all that ails us is the loss of character and the absence of
Dharma. If each one of us could help in propagating the devolopment
of character and the restoration of Dharma we would have done
our bit. And to those who have been saying on this page that I
do not deal with serious matters nothing is more serious than
this. Just think ...
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:21:34 1996 IST):
:
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:22:24 1996 IST):
:
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:22:54 1996 IST):
Lakshaman : Living or dead? Gandhiji,
Sardar Patel, Rajaji, JRD, Kanchi Acharya, several others we can
pick.
HINDUSTANI (TUE JUL 16 21:22:58 1996 IST):
Who is your favourite actor, Shammi Kapoor?
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 21:23:09 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan What is the first thing you
would like to do when you retire?
3-D (TUE JUL 16 21:24:16 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: a man called KB THapa was elected
to the Bombay Mcplty in 1992 from jail. He had won from jail in
1985 too. Can't the EC ensure that at least guys in jail don't
contest elections? This man had 14 cases of murder, extortion
and whatnot against him, and was finally shot dead in a gang shootout
two years later. -vibha kamat
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:24:20
1996 IST):
MR SESHAN KINDLY ANSWER MY QUESTION ON
DHIRUBHAI AMBANI?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:25:10 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan: Do you practice the rituals
of brahminism? Do you think God exists? If so, why?
ASHOK (TUE JUL 16 21:25:38 1996 IST):
I am certain you will not answer question
Kashmir free or rigged elections. It is easier to talk of Dharma
than deal with straight questions
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:25:42 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, Is it possible to for Indians
to get rid of Swamis ?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:25:46 1996 IST):
Sreedharan : God in his infinite mercy
never kept away anyone saying you are sinner. In any case as the
Bible said let him cast the first stone he who is free from sin.
I see nothing unusual in associating with anybody if you can derive
the good from the good and keep off the evil from the EVIL.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:25:46 1996 IST):
From P Lakshmanan: Who are the three Indians
whom you dislike most?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:26:44 1996 IST):
-
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:27:06 1996 IST):
-
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:27:27 1996 IST):
Samina Sheikh : Your inferences on different
parties are yours. I am the umpire. I have no parties. Of course,
the law lays down what the sort of illegal or corrupt pratices
are. The law must take it's course.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:27:31 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan: If you were to choose
a character from history to have been born as, whom would you
have chosen?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:28:19 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan: Who are you closest friends?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:28:55 1996 IST):
Chandan, Go and ask Dhirubhai !
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:29:34 1996 IST):
Ashok : Except in the eyes of those with
terminal jaundice the Kashmir elections were not repeat not rigged.
There are some white people with the yellow disease. There are
some brown sahebs who also have the extremely high bilorubin.
Treat them.
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:29:35 1996 IST):
Chandan, Go and ask Dhirubhai !
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:30:03 1996 IST):
From Alex: Where will you retire to? Bangalore?
Delhi? Or should I not be asking? Z list and all that? How doers
it feel to be on the hit-list? To begin your day looking down
the muzzle of a gun?
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:30:30 1996 IST):
Ravi : I have answered the election question
on J&K. I have no views on any hostages.
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:30:39 1996 IST):
Chandan, Go and ask Dhirubhai !
3-D (TUE JUL 16 21:31:20 1996 IST): Mr
Seshan: "The law must take its own course" has become
one of our country's biggest non-sequiturs! Law is subverted and
slowed down and bypassed inn so many ways that saying "it
must take its own course" means little now. So please tell
us more than that. -dilip d'souza
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:31:21 1996 IST): out
of three indians disliked mostby Seshanji. RON CC plakshmanan,
one will definitely be Chandan Dubey of the Asian Age!
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:31:23 1996 IST):
Sreedharan : If you will only not call
me frivolous I would have liked to be Gautama the Buddha.
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:31:27 1996 IST):
-
SUNIL-PIONEER (TUE JUL 16 21:31:34 1996 IST):
Honestly, can you take criticism??
ASHOK (TUE JUL 16 21:32:15 1996 IST):
Shammi Kapoor as next election commissioner.
How is that
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:32:30 1996 IST):
Alex : I have a small house in Madras
so also my wife in Bangalore. But only the good Lord knows whether
or when or where I will retire. Watch this space..
3-D (TUE JUL 16 21:32:53 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan: "The law must take its
own course" has become one of our country's biggest non-sequiturs!
Law is subverted and slowed down and bypassed inn so many ways
that saying "it must take its own course" means little
now. So please tell us more than that. -dilip d'souza
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:33:58
1996 IST):
VACHANAM KIM DARIDRATA!!! MR SESHAN KINDLY
COMMENT??!!
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:34:08 1996 IST):
Sunil: If at the end of this fiv e years
and more you still must ask me whether I can take criticism? Do
you read the Pioneer?
Ags (Tue Jul 16 21:34:14 1996 IST):
Seshanji, Do you have the right to penalize
politicians? I mean the court/LAW will take 9 years to take decision
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:34:25 1996 IST):
-
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 21:34:45 1996 IST):
Mr Seshan, Does "WATCH THIS SPACE"
mean that you will be back here for another chat?
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:35:00 1996 IST):
From: Mahesh, (mahesh@ttacs.ttu.edu),
Texas Mr Seshan, looking at the present picture of Indian Politics,
it seems like it might disintegrate to something like the previous
situation in Italy, elections every 6-12 months? Do you agree?
Can India afford democracy in such a situation?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:35:02 1996 IST):
-
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:35:28 1996 IST):
From Alex: what is your legacy? And will
it endure?
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:35:34 1996 IST):
sir,will corrupt politicians ever be extinct
?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:36:09 1996 IST):
Saurav, Go Home Now.
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:36:24 1996 IST):
Seshanji, you could have answered whether
you could take criticism in A YES or A NO. Do you maintain such
double standards even when you go to collect awards????
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:36:55 1996 IST):
Saurav, Go Home Now.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:37:04 1996 IST):
From Sreedharan: Do you ever go to bed
thinking you may not wake the next day? Are you scared of death?
AGS (TUE JUL 16 21:37:35 1996 IST):
logout... pizza time
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:38:09 1996 IST):
Saurav, Go Home Now.
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:39:27 1996 IST):
Sir,do you believe in rebirth ?What would
you like to be in your next birth ?
CHANDRA (TUE JUL 16 21:39:31 1996 IST):
Chandam, remove all these kindly, please,
etc. Rememer ATI VINAYAM DHOORT LAKSHNAM
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:40:19 1996 IST):
Sreedharan: I dfo not know what you mean
by the rituals of Brahiminism. If worshipping nature repeatedly
is Brahminism, would you go to Rio de Janeiro and learn it at
the conference on environment or would you repeat after my great
grandfather, that the sun is the only original source of all of
mankind's energy as I do everyday, say, looking at the sun? Do
you mean, by the rituals of Brahminism that I give a drop of milk
to the tulsi plant because the conference in Rio found out that
trees are good for mankind or would you believe my great grandmother
when she believed her ancestors when they said vanaspataye-namah,
because without plants, you and I are dead ducks? Do me a favour,define
Brahminism. In all that I read, Brahminism meant plain living
and high thinking, and when the Brahmin departed from it he killed
Brahminism. If Brahminism meant living a life of intellectual
eminence, no sir, I am not ashamed of it.
ABHIJIT (TUE JUL 16 21:40:20 1996 IST):
Dear Mr. Seshan, How can we emulate you
in real life.
MEENA (TUE JUL 16 21:40:59 1996 IST):
If you visit USA anytime in the near future,
we, at Western MIchigan Uni., would like to invite you and stay
with us for some time... Away from political life for some time..
I am sure you won't deny such an invitation and you won't disappoint
us....
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:41:40 1996 IST):
Ravi Manian: You asked me privately why
not deputy secretary general of the UN. For god's sake, publily,
why not full secretary gneral? Can you help? Please!
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:42:46
1996 IST):
so you do wish to replace the present
Shankaracharya after retirement?!!!
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:43:12 1996 IST):
Abhijit: Follow after me, Lord Tennyson.
TO SEEK TO STRIVE TO FIND AND NOT
TO YIELD.
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:43:27 1996 IST):
sir, my query. do you believe in rebirth,
and if yes, what would you like to be in your next birth?
3-D (TUE JUL 16 21:43:36 1996 IST):
Unfortunately, Mr Seshan, without meaning
to scorn what you say at all, Brahminism has meant a lot worse
to a lot of people in this country. -dilip d'souza
MR. T N SESHAN (TUE JUL 16 21:45:49 1996 IST):
Shilpa Shetty: Yes I shall be back on
this space for another chat. Keep your questions dry. I hope you
have enjoyed being here, as much as I have. Let's thank Rediff.
Good night.
Abhijit (Tue Jul 16 21:46:16 1996 IST):
Dear Mr. Sheshan, Has Election Commission
ever thought of educating the voters regarding ourparliamentary
system of governence. Does the voter really been told the value
of his vote in explicit manner, how the one vote is going to affect
his life and how it could make a dishonest man more dishonest
and rich at the cost of him. May be it is hightime election commision
starts preparing some educational material in those regards. Thanks.
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:46:23 1996 IST):
From P Lakshmanan: What is your legacy
to the Indian people? And will it endure? Did you decide when
you were appointed as CEC
SHILPA (TUE JUL 16 21:46:47 1996 IST):
Will do, Mr Shetty. Thank you very much!
CHANDAN DUBEY: ASIAN AGE (TUE JUL 16 21:46:50
1996 IST):
THANKS FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS:-)
RON CC (TUE JUL 16 21:47:32 1996 IST):
From Nikhil Lakshman, editor, Rediff On
The NeT: It was wonderful having you with us, Mr Seshan. Thank
you and Good night.
3-D (TUE JUL 16 21:49:31 1996 IST):
Thank you, Mr Seshan. -vibha kama, jb
d'souza and dilip d'souza
RISHII (TUE JUL 16 21:53:30 1996 IST):
anyway, i believe in rebirth, and hope that you are reborn
to serve india as you have done in this birth, or in an even better
position.
T N Seshan with Rediff On The NeTstaffers Prem Panicker and Subhashree Krishnaswamy. Photographs: Atul Chowdhary.
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