Rahul Gandhi should become a symbol of pride in a pluralistic India and emerge a relentless crusader of fundamental freedoms, which are under assault, said former Law Minister and Congress leader Ashwani Kumar.
As the leader of the Congress , he should strengthen the party by insisting that intellect and integrity are not at a discount, and ensure that non-negotiable principles are not compromised for political expediency, said Mr. Kumar, talking to The Hindu on Monday.
He must continue to anchor his politics in idealism and pursue a just social and political order. A think tank consisting of people who are imbued with intellect and integrity to speak the truth should be created, and proven young leaders like Kanhaiya Kumar and Hardik Patel should be co-opted into the party, he said.
Mr. Kumar dismissed the view that there was a trust deficit between the old guard and the new generation in the Congress. “I don’t think this is a valid supposition considering that Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly talked about giving due respect and recognition to the party elders. It is no coincidence that party veterans outnumber the young leaders in proposing his candidature,” he said.
Symbol of pride
To prepare for the 2019 elections , Mr. Gandhi should emerge a relentless crusader of basic freedoms. He had to become the symbol of ‘ashmita’ (pride) for all Indians . “Rahul should be loved and not feared by partymen,” he said.
