This refers to the article, “An outstanding scholar, an appointment mess” (October 10) by Ashok Malik. The extension granted by Mr Manmohan Singh to Mr Mahesh Rangarajan as Director of the Nehru Memorial Museum and library was a clear case of Ms Sonia Gandhi giving orders on files brought to her by the Prime Minister's official for her perusal and final disposal. Or else, Mr Singh wouldn't have overstepped his authority and passed an order which was plainly illegal and lacking in moral propriety.
Mr Rangarajan may have been outstanding in the performance of duties, but I am convinced that the Modi Government did the right in relieving him from his post. In fact, he should have himself declined the position knowing that it was being extended to him by a regime that had just lost the election. But he preferred to take the extension against both moral and professional righteousness.