The question of Congress general secretary and heir-apparent, Rahul Gandhi, declaring that he is ready to share larger responsibilities in governance of this country is strange (“‘I will soon assume a larger role’” July 20). It appears that this orchestrated declaration is part of a planned programme of thrusting leadership on him, regardless of his discerned efficiency, capacity and procrastination. One wonders why this programming is not done in the case of several other young Congress leaders. Why do we still have to follow a system of dynasty without entering the true age of democracy?
If the party still wants to follow the descendent rule, such a person has to show streaks of good leadership, visionary thinking and situational awareness. As it stands today, the nation can ill afford an experiment by forcing leadership on a person who is yet to go a long way in national politics.
Maj. Mathew Oommen (retd.),
Pune
The main reason why the Congress is at the receiving end in many States is because it has miserably failed in tackling regionalism (editorial, July 20). It is always fiddling with national non-issues, and unable to come to grips with local issues.
The party has to switch to regional mode if it wants to match voter aspirations.
P. Senthil Saravana Durai,
Vazhavallan
If Mr. Gandhi made the Congress’ day in the morning, it took an NCP and its leader, Sharad Pawar, to spoil it by evening (“Pawar, Praful skip Cabinet meeting,” July 20) At the bottom of the issue of the pecking order in the government lies the Congress’ political handling — or rather, mishandling — of one of its most steadfast allies. The party’s attempts to antagonise its allies seem to be a part of the way it functions. That this is an era of coalition politics seems to be lost on it.
Vani A.,
Hyderabad
The challenge Mr. Gandhi faces is the vice-like grip of the old guard over the party. He must also learn the art of handling allies. For instance, will he be able to handle difficult allies like a Sharad Pawar or a Mamata Banerjee? Will he be able to quell dissidence in the Congress if a group of young leaders decides to rebel against him? Party management is a difficult job and requires hard work and dedication. He may still be the best bet for the party to bring itself out of the morass it finds itself in.
J. Anantha Padmanabhan,
Srirangam
Rahul Gandhi finds himself in the limelight by default. When all is said and done, both the Congress and Rahul cannot be an exception to the adage — nothing ventured, nothing gained.
R. Narayanan,
Ghaziabad
Mr. Gandhi has earned considerable experience and certainly shown a lot of political promise. He is the leader of the new generation. India is looking for a leader with dynamism, honesty and courage who is capable of taking this country forward.
D. Nambisan,
Taliparamba
Who, other than the party’s sycophants, has thought that Rahul had a lesser role in the party? He must be the first among its general secretaries of the party and also its second-in-command by virtue of his being a member of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. It is unimaginable to think that his rank will be less than number two if and when he joins the Union Cabinet. It is just and fair to ask what his achievements and exceptional merits are to hold exalted positions in the party and the government. After all, it was he who once said that merit and performance should be the yardsticks for recognition and rewards in the party.
C.G. Kuriakose,
Kothamangalam
