Lock, Stack and Bytes

Thank you, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi. By gracefully declining to become the Prime Minister of India, you have, hopefully, set a precedence of country-above-self that future politicians will try to emulate.

But aren’t great leaders and true patriots always supposed to be selfless? And sensible? I feverishly hope that by this selfless and sensible act, Mrs. Gandhi has buried for good the doubts, innumerable innuendos, and vitriolic insults about her foreign roots and lack of patriotism (give me a break!). In my opinion, Mrs. Gandhi has shown leadership far beyond the other members of the dynasty. Hopefully, she has taken the baby-steps in dismantling the culture of sycophancy and nepotism that not only has weakened the foundations of Congress party, but Indian politics in general. Indian politics really need leaders who can not only lead by example but also educate the vast electorate about the real virtues of democracy. For one, the majority of electorate needs to know that democracy is definitely not about electing “individuals”. It is about electing a government. It is about governing a country. It is not about Sonia Gandhi. It is about Government of India that can take care of its people. Provide them with basic amenities. And most importantly, provide them the security to live a dignified life irrespective of caste, creed, and religion.

And now…over to you Dr. Manmohan Singh.

- Rajesh