Dear Editor,
For a democratic system to sustain by one family or one party is rare and credible in itself where people have options. Not only did Nehru have a charismatic personality, he was also an intellectual with a global vision, based on sovereign, secular and democratic affiliation. He had a passion for freedom and suffered for over 10 years in jails despite having the option to live a regal life through inheritance. He had a scientific temper and abhorred dynastic rule, the reason that he picked Lal Bahadur Shastri, an honest man from ordinary stock, as his heir. Had Shastri lived a decade or more, Indira would have been down the line as any other minister. Brands like Apple and Bata sell unquestioningly, so does the Nehru-Gandhi name, even after decades. How could, otherwise, Sonia with little knowledge of Indian culture and language make it in 2004 and 2009? Even today, despite certain handicaps, the Sonia-Rahul duo attracts masses and both have got through to Parliament easily. How the party lost is a long story and is being wrongly attributed to their presence. The Congress brand will continue to sell with some modifications.
B. M Singh,
Via-e-mail
