Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Advani’s remarks

This refers to the report that Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani pilloried the Nehru-Gandhi family for making the Congress a “family fiefdom” (March 15). I am surprised at his charge that 10, Janpath (Sonia Gandhi’s residence) has become more important than 7, Race Course (Prime Minister’s house). When the BJP was in power, it was the RSS headquarters that occupied a more important position and had a say even in Cabinet formation. Both Mr. Advani and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had to make frequent visits to the RSS headquarters to get clearance on important policy matters.

N. Nagarajan,

Secunderabad

While in government, the BJP leaders followed instructions issued by the RSS bosses, who have never faced elections, rather than being accountable to those who elected them.

Baikadi Suryanarayana Rao,

Bangalore Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the nation and are respected by the majority. Why does Mr. Advani not speak about his RSS chiefs? Did not the BJP make Vijayaraje Scindia almost life-long vice-president of the party? Is not Mr. Advani monopolising the top position in the BJP? The Congress is a democratic party. The members of the Nehru family he is referring to have been elected by the people.

Ziaullah Khan,

Bangalore

Ms Gandhi has worked to bring about the consolidation of the Congress. The manner in which she helped to form a coalition government at the Centre under Manmohan Singh speaks volumes of her leadership qualities. Even when Mr. Advani and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi made personal remarks, she tolerated them and used her energies constructively.

K.K. Ammannaya,

Udupi

Mr. Advani’s trenchant criticism of the Congress is fully justified. While it is true that almost all parties lack internal democracy, the Congress is probably the worst offender. It has become a veritable banyan tree under which nothing other than a direct offshoot of the dynasty is permitted to even take root.

V. Nagarajan,

Chennai

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