Date:17/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/17/stories/2007041702561000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Rahul's remarks

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's statement on his family's achievements, including the division of Pakistan in 1971, is untimely, indiscreet, and immature. But who can deny that Bangladesh was created under the leadership of his grandmother Indira Gandhi? Did we not praise her then? Pakistan's resentment is understandable, but some of the Opposition leaders who derive inspiration from the ideology that advocates the destruction of our neighbouring country need to look inwards before criticising Rahul.

It is strange that those who supported Godse-ism once now find Rahul's claim to his family's contribution to the freedom struggle disrespectful to Gandhiji.

M. Muthukrishnan,
Bangalore

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Leaders are remembered for good and bad things. If Winston Churchill can be remembered for World War II and P.V. Narasimha Rao for Ayodhya, why not Indira Gandhi for 1971? If she can be assailed for declaring emergency, she can be hailed for the role she played in the liberation of Bangladesh. Dynastic politics is not restricted to the Nehru family. Third or fourth generation heirs are active in almost all parties today. Rahul is also a politician and he has a rightful claim to the Nehru legacy.

Rettavayal S. Krishnaswamy,
Chennai