CAFE
COM:PORT
CHAT JOCKEYS
EVENTS

The Seshan Chat

The Kashmir elections were not, repeat not, rigged, says Seshan

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.