Prime Minister Narendra Modi is quite right in saying that the Congress of today is no longer the Congress of Mahatma Gandhi (“Congress is a product of a sick outlook: PM”, November 3). While accusing it of being a party based on “the principle of corruption” is not very fair, stating that it is one based on “the principle of dynastic rule” is certainly true. Any amount of explanation by the Congress cannot wish away the stark reality that it is a party is virtually ‘owned’ and run by the Gandhi family. The culture of dynastic succession in Indian politics was first introduced by Indira Gandhi, and, sadly, that culture not only continues to hold sway in the Congress but has also been adopted and improvised upon by many parties across the length and breadth of the country. It may be poetic justice that the present Congress dynasty is fast losing its aura, acceptability and sheen. If Congress members fail to see the writing on the wall and act boldly, it may lead to the inevitable disintegration of the party. The yardsticks of merit and performance should alone count in the functioning of parties.
C.G. Kuriakose,
Kothamangalam, Kerala
