The Congress had only one objective in organising the mega rally at Ramlila grounds on Sunday — to flex its muscles against the Opposition parties, anti-corruption activists and its own intransigent allies and fence-sitters. It was not intended to reassure people that the party and its government are seized of the problems facing the country and are determined to tackle them earnestly. One could sense the difference in the tone of speeches delivered by the Congress leaders and the Prime Minister. While the Prime Minister tried hard to explain why it was necessary to take some hard decisions, the others dared those opposing the Congress. They blamed everybody for the failure of governance and there was not a word on the monumental corruption in the eight-year UPA rule.
Subramanian Venkataraman,
Mumbai
Congress leaders are oblivious of the fact that they do not stand a very bright chance of winning the 2014 election. Face-savers like Sunday’s rally are unlikely to convince even an ordinary citizen of the Congress’s credibility.
S. Srimoolanathan,
Chennai
The Congress party’s efforts to hard sell FDI in retail at a rally in Ramlila Maidan ahead of the crucial winter session of Parliament should help breathe fresh life into the reform process. Under attack for its economic policies and mega scams that have done much to damage its image, the Congress is fighting fiercely in the run-up to the polls, which is heartening.
N.J. Ravi Chander,
Bangalore
