archive: Pathetic state (Two letters)
Pathetic state (Two letters)
Anjani Puri, N. Prasad
Sunday
June 20-26, 1999
Title: Pathetic state (Two letters)
Author: Anjani Puri, N. Prasad
Publication: Sunday
Date: June 20-26, 1999
Author: Anjani Puri, New Delhi
The "letter bomb" written by Sharad Pawar, P. A. Sangma and Tariq
Anwar raises some important questions concerning national interests
(The challenge, 23-29 May). The Congress is clinging to Sonia Gandhi
and claiming that she is entitled to become PM. Reason: she belongs
to the Nehru-Gandhi family. But is this the sole qualification to
make the Italian-born Sonia PM of India? Sonia who married Rajiv in
1968 took to Indian citizenship only in 1983, after it became clear
that Rajiv would become the PM. Given this background, the revolt by
the "Three Man Amy' against Sonia is not unreasonable.
Further, what's Sonia's political experience compared to that of
Pawar, Sangma, or even Tariq Anwar? She became a Congress party
member only two years back. And today she wants to become the PM.
Don't Sangma, Pawar and Anwar have a right to protest? If Sonia's
only aim is to save and strengthen the Congress, where is the need to
nurture prime ministerial ambitions? It's a pity that a 114-year-old
party has to depend on Sonia for survival.
=======================Author: N. Prasad, New Delhi
With reference to the cover story The challenge, here are points to
ponder for those who are affected by Sonia syndrome:
Sonia married Rajiv Gandhi in 1968. She could have taken Indian
citizenship in 1973. But she did so only in 1983, when Rajiv's chance
of becoming PM was certain. Does this prove that India is her
country?
In 1977, after the defeat of Mrs Indira Gandhi, she took refuge in the
Italian embassy. Sonia came back to her mother-in-law's house only
after much persuasion. Then how can she say that India is her
motherland?
Sonia became a voter in 1980 itself, though she became an Indian
citizen in 1983. Doesn't this show her political ambitions at an very
early stage?
If her sole ambition is only to "serve the Congress party" why should
she nurture PM ambitions?
Finally, does she still retain "dual-citizenship" - Indian and
Italian?
If Sonia Gandhi would be kind enough to reply to these questions, her
position will become much more stronger in the nation.
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