M A I L B A G

Questions on Sonia’s leadership

The issue of Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s prime ministerial ambition continues to dominate the election scene. It is a lot of hard work, study, practice and experience to become a renowned surgeon or cardiologist. Do we allow the kin of a doctor to practice medicine without the proper degree and internship? Similarly, isn’t a lot of hard work, experience and dedication required to hold the lifeline of the nation and to be its Prime Minister?

How can a daughter, son, or daughter-in-law of a Prime Minister can be allowed to be the Prime Minister of our nation? Is it justify to project someone as Prime Minister, simply because she is the daughter-in-law or widow of late Prime Ministers?

Does Ms Sonia Gandhi qualify to be the Prime Minister on any other ground? Has she acquired the required experience? Can she herself look inside and truthfully reply to herself about being the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy? Can those people be justified who are trying to bring her as the Prime Minister? Aren’t Congressmen saying in other words that India is devoid of experience and qualified people?

Are we ready to leave our nation's lifeline in the hands of quacks? Or should we find an experienced and dedicated doctor?

J.J. Gandhi, Santa Clara, CA, (USA)

II

I have been reading in The Tribune reports about the Congressmen’s disappointment and resentment over the selective campaigning by Rahul and Priyanka in the just-concluded elections. What a shame! The party which won India its freedom is bereft of leaders and ideas. The Congress candidates were begging for Rahul and Priyanka to canvass for them in their constituencies, feeling “orphaned” in their absence. This indicates the total bankrupcy in the rank and file of the party. The party promising a “strong, stable and secular Centre” has seemingly centred all the powers in one person and her siblings, howsoever naive and raw they may be, to understand the people and their problems.

What a slide down for a national party which was served by the likes of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Annie Besant, Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Krishna Gokhle who spearheaded the freedom movement with a clear political philosophy and distinct vision for India.

Indeed, the Congress is in total disarray. It is time the party got rid of the sycophants and self-seeking leaders to salvage whatever is left of the party.

Dr Amrit Sethi, Bathinda

III

The Indian masses are quite intelligent. They know who can lead the country. Mere intelligence and experience would not be sufficient. We would be doing injustice to our forefathers if we forget their sacrifices so soon. The people’s decision is final as to who would rule. Let us rise to a higher level, where the progress of the country should be the only deciding factor. Let us shun cheap politics and keep economic principles in view while deciding sops for all. No body can please all. By tarnishing the image of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, we are rather helping her in gaining popularity and also giving the impression that we are afraid of her. Do criticise any leader, but with a positive and constructive attitude.

We see a lot of infighting in the Congress. This is not good for the party. Let the Congress put its house in order and present its cards in a unified way. The NDA, though with diversified parties, speaks in one voice and presents a unified picture.

DHANI RAM DHIMAN, Pinjore

Bihar’s rotten system In the wake of the incidents of bungling in Bihar, the editorial “Rules of whims” (May 7) has appropriately empathised and pitied the plight of hapless citizens of this country who still have to see an administration which works in an impartial and truthful manner. The editorial rightly cited examples of the riots in Gujarat and Delhi and says that despite the killing of innocents, the perpetrators of the crime roam free, presumably protected by their political masters or courtesy the inefficient and the corrupt inquiry and accountability system. In my opinion, nothing less than an apolitical mass movement for a long drawn struggle for human rights and justice by some dedicated and committed enlightened individuals can make the difference to give a jolt to the rotten political system. Let the political bosses of this country understand that renaissance will not be far if some selfless youth chose to give a call to the nation sounding a vigil for the corrupt to mend their ways or face the wrath of the righteous. I wish this could happen in my country. B.B. Goyal, Ludhiana

Going for a toss

The definition of democracy has changed long ago. It no more connotes government of the people, for the people and by the people. It is now a government off the people, far the people and buy the people. ‘Self’ is everywhere in today’s democracy. Why is it so?

MEENA VERMA, St. Francis School, Tarn Taran

CBSE paper leak

It is shocking to know the details of the ongoing investigation into CBSE test scam. The CBI team has caught Delhi Police cops accepting bribe from the culprits red-handed. Obviously, corruption has penetrated into all spheres of Indian society and the political system has failed to stem the rot.

I am reminded of a Punjabi proverb: When a snake bites another snake, which one of the two will be poisoned (Sap nal Sap larre te jehar kisnu charre)? In India, it is a typical case of the corrupt fighting the corrupt. We need a holistic change in the Indian value system.

H.S. VIRK, Mohali

Tohra’s flip side

Lt-Gen Himmat Singh Gill (retd) has not done a critical analysis of Gurcharan Singh Tohra (April 2) in his obituary. He has not touched the other side of Tohra’s coin. For instance, Mark Tully and Satish Jacob, in their widely read book, “Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi’s last battle”, describe Tohra as “a cunning but unsophisticated politician with Communist connections” (Page 57).

DEEP BRAR, New Delhi