MyVoice is to lift up the voices and experiences

A change in mindset is must

The leadership wrangle in the age-old Congress party for the last 78 days is still inconclusive. Temporarily Sonia Gandhi was made party chief. Now the question comes is there no body in the party who is capable of leading the party?

There are experienced people in the party, some of whose names are Mukul Wasnik, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot and some more. The only time that a non-Gandhi party chief was elected was Mr P.V.Narasimha Rao in 1991 who was more dynamic and led the country with super intelligence and back ground work keeping the main members of the Congress at a distance.

He led the country with a coalition and saved the economy which is in doldrums at his taking charge. as PM. This made Gandhi's to antagonise PVNR, who was most loyal worker of the party, who even after insults heaped at them chose to swallow and go in mute.

It's is sad to note that a grave Injustice was meted out to PV after his death when his body was not allowed into the CWC building which was deliberately locked.

His body was not given a place to be buried along with other bodies of late PMs and has to forcibly shifted to Hyderabad.May be this is another fear that is ringing in the minds of non-Gandhi members who are not coming forward to take the post.

Since then times have changed and it is high time the Congressmen have to change their mindset and usher in new leadership at various levels keeping in tune with the aspirations of the people.

Otherwise the party has to go underground and the very existence is doubtful.

— TSN Rao, Bhimavaram

Nothing will change for GOP

Sonia Gandhi returning as chief of Congress party will hardly be a game changer for the fortunes of that Grand Old Party. The problems are deep rooted whereas the solution given is a quick fix.

She can be a unifying factor for the party for time being, but one cannot expect a miraculous recovery in the near sight. Anyway, she should initiate reconstructive work of her own party dispassionately to remain relevant in unfavourable times with strong presence of BJP and assertive regional parties.

The party's failure of showing one voice in important issues of national interest like abrogation of Article 370 by the government reveals the lack of preparedness, discussion, strategy and order among ranks as well.

The nurturing of leadership outside the first family with democratic spirit should save the day for Congress party. It's not too late to do so.

— Dr D V G Sankararao, Nellimarla

Jettison the old baggage

Apropos your edit 'Rahul, you can't run away...' he had shown himself to be an irresponsible leader and a son. Even his staunch supporters are dismayed at his foolhardiness.

For good or bad Congress party is associated with the Gandhi-Nehru legacy. It can't be wished away. It can't be erased and it is not a crime.

Rivals will taunt about family rule and all that and they will be happy to see him run away. But the way forward is to take pride in his history and galvanise the party.

After all politics is not a short sprint but a long-range marathon with inevitable uncertainties. The BJP cannot rule for ever. It may crumble under its own weight.

Besides we need an opposition to highlight the failures of the ruling party which otherwise will bully its way under the joint leadership of Modi and Shah.

All said and done Rahul is more or less the only leader known across the country when compared to others in his party or outside.

He needs to wait patiently for his turn and equip himself well in the meanwhile to be able to lead effectively. The Congress has to modify its attitude and agenda based on the ground realities.

The party requires a thorough overhaul and young blood is to be infused simultaneously jettisoning the old baggage of Chidambarams, Aiyers and Azads.

These oldies have their vested interests and have become vicious burden to the party and its survival. The party should understand that clinging stubbornly to minority card is hurting the majority.

It has to adapt itself to the public perception to remain politically relevant particularly in the onslaught meticulously being engineered by the ruthless leadership of BJP.

Rahul will be remembered as a coward who showed his tail in the face of a challenge unless he stands up. The time is NOW.

— Vinay Bhushan Bhagwaty, Hyderabad