Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Flamboyant warrior

The brief but eloquent editorial "A flamboyant warrior" (May 4) was an elegant tribute to Pramod Mahajan. Besides flamboyance, Mahajan had the inherent qualities of an astute leader. His organisational skill, rare oratory in chaste Marathi, and fluency in English and Hindi helped him attract the rural masses as well as the urban elite to the BJP. Even his detractors will not contest his leadership qualities. The nation has lost a promising leader who had all that it takes to become a Prime Minister.

O.D. Damodaran,
Thrissur, Kerala

At a time when there is a dearth of young and dynamic leaders, Mahajan's death is an irreversible loss to the country. In particular it has paralysed the BJP, which banked on him for future leadership.

K. Chidanand Kumar,
Bangalore

Mahajan's death has caused a severe dent in the BJP's plans. He was a man with a vision and passionate about taking India to new heights on the international stage. His passing away at a time when his best was yet to come is indeed unfortunate, especially for the youth.

Mani M. Nookala,
Hyderabad

In over a decade, we have lost some of our finest GenNext leaders in unfortunate circumstances — Rajiv Gandhi, Madhavrao Scindia, Rajesh Pilot, T.M.C. Balayogi, and now Pramod Mahajan. The void created by their death is difficult to fill.

C.R. Venkatesan,
Coimbatore

Sibling rivalry has proved costly for India, which has lost one of its suave, efficient organisers and prime ministerial material. It is pity that in recent years we have lost many prospective leaders due to unnatural reasons such as accidents and murder.

V. Vijayendra Rao,
Neyveli, T.N.

The BJP has received yet another blow in Mahajan's untimely death. The party has undoubtedly lost a young, dynamic and promising second-rung leader with proven capabilities.

Sudhir Shivaram,
Bangalore

The nation has lost a leader who was admired by friend and foe alike, who was equally comfortable with industry leaders and party cadre, and who truly had the potential to become Prime Minister one day. His adroit handling of many a tricky situation is worthy of mention.

S. Sudhir Kumar,
Waltham, Massachusetts

The entire nation was hoping that Mahajan would survive the ordeal. His end came as a disappointment. He was one of the few modern leaders who had mass appeal and was acceptable across the length and breadth of India. It was unfortunate that Pravin Mahajan took the life of one who was a father figure to him.

V.J. Lawrence,
Bangalore

Mahajan's untimely death is a cruel blow to the Indian polity. One might not have agreed with his views but there was something pragmatic about the modern-day BJP Lakshman. He was an astute manager and a dynamic leader. He was truly a man for all seasons.

Pramod Arikal,
Schlossplatz, Berlin

Mahajan was the BJP's suave, sophisticated mascot. From laptops to five-star living, he infused colour in Indian politics. He gave a whole new face to a party that was known for its strictness and regimentation. He lived glamorously, organised meticulously and never bothered about the controversies that kept cropping up around him. The BJP will find it difficult to replace him.

Sm. Venkitachalam,
Coimbatore

Everyone expected Mahajan to occupy centre stage in the future of Indian politics. A great strategist, he symbolised dynamism. Even his opponents liked to befriend him. It is very rare to come across a politician like him who wielded enormous clout.

Abishek Bhaskaran,
Tiruchi, T.N.

While the BJP has lost a high profile, hi-tech leader, the country has lost a vibrant and decent politician who had the rare ability to win friends across party lines. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was right in describing him as the Lakshman of the BJP.

Lakshmi Bhaskaran,
Srirangam, T.N.

Mahajan was an astute politician and was known for his constructive role in teamwork. Humour and soft nature were his conspicuous characteristics that distinguished him from many and made him the centre of attraction in public gatherings.

Jayashri S. Raghavan,

New Delhi

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