Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

PM candidate Advani

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s choice of L.K. Advani, now Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, as the prime ministerial candidate in the next general election, although a foregone conclusion in the context of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s poor health, is nothing to feel elated about. Political parties should encourage only leaders below 65 to take up the reins. The elders should remain advisers to guide them in drawing policies and programmes.

N. Seethalakshmi,

Chennai

The BJP’s projection of Mr. Advani as its prime ministerial candidate is welcome, though delayed. Mr. Advani is the only known pan-Indian face after Mr. Vajpayee. His hardliner image has been corrected after his visit to Karachi and the Jinnah controversy. Whether the BJP’s move has been made with an eye on the Gujarat elections or not, the fact remains that it has taken the first step towards the next Lok Sabha election.

A.R. Karthick,

Bangalore

The reasons for declaring Mr. Advani as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate may be many. But the most likely reason is to signal to the Gujarat electorate that their Gandhinagar MP is the future prime ministerial candidate and that the BJP is still a force to reckon with. Whether the move will work in the BJP’s favour in Gujarat, only the poll results can tell.

E. Sivasankaran,

Coimbatore

The BJP has done well to announce Mr. Advani as its prime ministerial candidate in the next general elections. It is now time for the Congress to start thinking on the subject. Rahul Gandhi may be wet behind the ears. But he is the only charismatic leader in the party after Sonia Gandhi. He should be declared the party’s nominee for the Prime Minster’s post.

A. Seshan,

Mumbai

The BJP seems to have run out of steam. In a democracy, elections should be fought on issues. Individuals are not important. Mr. Advani, because of his involvement in the Babri Masjid issue, may not find favour with all sections.

P. Polepaka,

Hyderabad

The BJP has yet again failed to read the mind of the people. Mr. Advani’s candidature will not be supported by secular-minded people. Erstwhile NDA allies such as the Telugu Desam Party and the Trinamool Congress will have problems with the choice.

P. Prabhakar,

Warangal

Mr. Advani is yet to be exonerated in the Babri Masjid demolition case. His secular credentials remain questionable. Mr. Vajpayee, a moderate and seasoned parliamentarian, was acceptable to all NDA allies. Mr. Advani cannot match his stature.

M. Chalam,

Hyderabad

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