Let Ghulam Nabi Azad take over as Congress chief

Endorsing the statement of Tharoor, I wish to state that it is too early to write Cong's obituary. Ups and downs are common in elections in a democratic country. We witnessed on several occasions the phenomenon of parties coming to power after being trounced in the polls. In a democracy opposition should be there by all means. Writing obituary is not the solution. It should be kept in incubation for some time under careful observation, till it gets rejuvenated.

There are still stalwarts in the Congress party, like Ghulam Nabi Azad, who are good parliamentarians who enjoy good rapport with all the parties, including the ruling party. I have been projecting him time and again as the leader who can lead. By making him president, the true secular credentials of the Congress party will be highlighted.

He is cool, reasonable, at the same time firm in putting forth the views logically. Insisting again and again Rahul to lead the party shows party 's bankruptcy. Tharoor really deserves to be the leader of the Congress parliamentary party in the house, as he can speak in a very dignified way, not making it clear whether he is praising or abusing.

The most important reason for the debacle is its vicious campaigning and abusing Modi. It was the only agenda it appears to Rahul. He should yet to get matured. His campaign was more jocular, as seriousness was lacking in it. One thing was obvious, no other Congress leader went around in support of him except Priyanka, his sister who is fresh to politics. There was no planning, how to use the services of seniors in the nation- wide campaign.

The Congress party should learn lessons and consider an outsider of "Nehru - Gandhi" dynasty to be the president, which alone will bring the last glory of the party. People should fully realise that it is really a national party, not a dynasty which is against democratic principles.

-R R Gandikota, Kakinada