The coronation of Rahul seems to be another attempt to push a reluctant man to centrestage (Just Prince Charming?, Feb 4). Whether choosing a mere ceremonial post for him was a folly or a blessing remains to be seen. Rahul had two great opportunities, Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement and the protests against the Delhi gangrape, to make a mark, but unfortunately for him and the Congress, his proposal to give the Lokpal constitutional status sank without a trace while he was missing in action in the second instance. India today is seeking a strong leader, someone who cuts short messy political procedure, without violating human rights or due processes or using extra-constitutio–nal powers like Sanjay Gandhi did. Rahul needs to assert himself more if he’s to be the answer to our prayers.
S.R. Gadicherla, Bangalore
Rahul would win hands down were elections to be held today. Besides the ‘holy’ bloggers who perform ritual puja online, murderer Modi does not have much support.
Imran Ahmed Khan, Bangalore
The unanimous election and coronation of Rahul baba bore all the signs of a long-planned, well-rehearsed and orchestrated pantomime. The maudlin ‘inaugural’ speech also plainly seemed to be the tortuous effort of a professional PR firm. The Congress can only be exhibiting a death wish in choosing to be led into oblivion by the Pied Piper of Rae Bareli and Amethi. This way, the bjp will be laughing all the way to the polling booth in 2014.
Ramesh Ramachandra, Bangalore
Just look at the whole pantheon of Congress leaders in the lead photograph fawning over the prince, especially home minister Sushilkumar Shinde who is a total disgrace to this country and himself.
Prakash Joseph, Oakville, Canada
“Seeking balance in his life and avoiding power seems to be the result of the inner journey and contemplations of Rahul Gandhi.” What a rigmarolish way to avoid saying he is incompetent and cannot handle responsibility.
Jainendra, Patna
Does the writer of this piece have a PhD in absurdity?
Pradip Singh, Stafford
In light of all the scepticism around Rahul, I would like to quote Napoleon Bonaparte: “A leader is a dealer in hope.” And that’s exactly what the speech of the Nehru-Gandhi scion held out.
Beena Mathur, Pune
One question. Pray, why is Rahul wearing a saffron pagdi and patta around his neck? Saffron rules, is it?
Ashok Kumar Ghai, Mumbai
Rahul is a big cause of concern for the Congress; they don’t know what to do with him. Hence a chintan shivir.
Lata Mehta, Madrid
Rahul Gandhi is no match for Narendra Modi, either in manner, or in political wiliness. The Congress should think of projecting someone like P. Chidambaram to take on the Gujarat strongman.
K.P. Rajan, Mumbai
It’s just a matter of time before servile Congressmen order the issue of a postage stamp for Sonia and her children.
G. Anuplal, Bangalore
The question you pose on your cover, ‘Is He for Real?’, should be put to the Mani Shankar Aiyars and Digvijay Singhs of the Congress durbar. One (Aiyar) sees in the coronation of Rahul “a resurrection of Rajiv”, which politically is bad news, while others want us to believe that Rahul is the messiah India’s been awaiting. Step up the drumbeats, Outlook.
Satyanarayana, Hyderabad