Opinion Letters to the editor

Apropos the editorial, ‘Without Rahul’ (IE, February 24), Rahul Gandhi proceeding to go on leave just at the beginning of a critical budget session of Parliament has added to the perception that he evades responsibility and is not serious about his role in politics. The Congress party says he has taken time off “to reflect on recent events and the future course of the party”. And perhaps his own future too? Observers say that Rahul was apparently annoyed about not having a free hand to take decisions and, at the same time, being blamed for the Congress’s electoral debacles. He allegedly wants to effect sweeping changes in the party, including getting rid of the old guard. Both Rahul and the Congress party need to take some tough decisions. If Rahul sees a future for himself in politics, he should come forward and take over as party president. If the Congress doesn’t see a future for itself in the absence of a Gandhi at the helm, it should give Rahul a free hand to run the party. Else, Rahul should take permanent leave and the Congress should find a leader capable of reviving the party.

— M.C. Joshi
Lucknow

RAHUL GANDHI owes his position as Congress vice president to his lineage, not his performance. He isn’t much of a parliamentarian and so his surprising decision to seek a sabbatical from the party for a few weeks, just as the budget session is starting, will not change much on the floor of the House. Many in the Congress probably hope his leave of absence will be permanent and that his sister, Priyanka, will take over. Rahul has been described as a “reluctant politician”, a label used for his father as well. But Rajiv Gandhi proved his critics wrong. Some Congressmen unfortunately still believe that, in the absence of an ideology, the party cannot survive without the Gandhi-Nehru family at the top.
— J.S. Acharya
Hyderabad

Look ahead
THE RSS chief has opened a Pandora’s box by alleging that proselytisation was Mother Teresa’s motivation for social service. Mother Teresa did great service for the poor and was called the saint of the gutters. Her services deserve high praise. Let’s please avoid such controversies and allow the nation to march forward.
— S. Ramachandran
Chennai

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comment on Mother Teresa shows his lack of decency. He should work to remove the reasons why underprivileged members of the Hindu fold convert to other faiths where they get respect.
— D.V.R. Rao
Pune