Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Vajpayee's decision

Mr. Vajpayee, easily one of the country's foremost statesmen, has finally "called it a day." This is indeed sad news. A brilliant orator who led a diverse coalition for six years with commendable skill, Mr. Vajpayee was one of the very few politicians who commanded respect across party lines. It is time we salute this man for his contributions as a true public servant.

Vivek Upman,
Mumbai

Mr. Vajpayee has gracefully bowed out of electoral politics but let us hope that his experience, wisdom, and statesmanship will always help the nation. The BJP will find it hard to get another person like him.

D. Manikyala Rao,
Gudivada, A.P.

With Mr. Vajpayee's exit from active politics, there is no leader who could guide the BJP in times of trouble. With L.K. Advani too handing over the party's presidency to a younger man, the BJP is indeed at a crossroads.

E. Sivasankaran,
San Jose, California

Harish Khare's article, `A BJP without Atal Bihari Vajpayee' (Jan. 2), has appreciated the contribution of the veteran leader.

It also appears that the BJP has come full circle and will find it very difficult to recover from the setbacks suffered over the last few weeks.

Md. Sarfaraz Anwer,
Aligarh, U.P.

Many letters have appeared in these columns lauding Mr. Vajpayee's declaration that he will not be contesting elections again. This only proves, once again, that public memory is short.

A short while before the previous general election too, Mr. Vajpayee declared the same intention.

G. Radhakrishnan,
Thiruvananthapuram

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