Vijay, Mangalore

For me any day Narashima Rao was the best Congress PM than any of the Nehru Family PMs or Madam-of-PM(like now) and George Fernandes is the best MP for our beloved DK district as he gave us the lifeline Konkan railway.

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Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

Dear Nelson Lewis, I agree with your comments that it was those brave, perspicacious Commanders who won the war of 71. Sam Manekshaw and Jagjit Singh Aurora were the architects of victory. One interesting fact, after retirement, Mr. Aurora was a leading activist representing the cause of victims of anti-Sikh riots of 1984, aftermath of Mrs. Gandhi assassination. He had fiercely opposed the army action on Golden temple of Mrs. Gandhi.

The most important factor that brought victory was the role of USSR. When Nixon dispatched USS Enterprise to clamp down and contain winning Indians and aiding Pakistan, it was our great friend USSR which sent group of ships armed with nuclear missiles that kept, Nixon on his toe, who was inciting, abetting Chinese to actively participate in war. It may be snow bounded Himalayan passes that might have stopped Chinese from direct invasion.

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Donfrank, MANGALAORE, UAE

Mr Naik, I have mentioned true facts, if you do not like it, you are free to do so. But I have the right to support Rahul Gandhi, who is better than all other politicians in India. We are hopeful that Rahul Gandhi will be successful in his noble mission. We have to appreciate the good work done by Nehru/Gandhi family, instead of blaming them for everything.

As I have mentioned earlier, our country has a population of 1.25 billion and the population growth is very high. Therefore, we can not compare the development of our country with small countries like Japan, S.Korea, Singapore and European countries. Moreover, we have so many religions, sects, rituals, cultures, castes, tribes, languages, eating habits, ideologies etc. In spite of so many problems we are better than many countries in the world. In few years, India will be one of the most developed countries in the world.

Even the western world has acknowledged this fact. Since our country is having a huge population, it is not easy to solve all the problems we have. Surely there are problems. But we are all equally responsible for solving them also. Let us unite and support our government in thier sincere efforts, instead of finding fault with them just because some of us are subscribing to a different ideology.

Rahul Gandhi has the capacity to lead the nation and he needs support from us. Let us be sincere and sensible. Jai Hind.

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Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

Dear Nelson Lewis, I agree with your comments that it was those brave, perspicacious Commanders who won the war of 71. Sam Manekshaw and Jagjit Singh Aurora were the architects of victory. One interesting fact, after retirement, Mr. Aurora was a leading activist representing the cause of victims of anti-Sikh riots of 1984, aftermath of Mrs. Gandhi assassination.

He had fiercely opposed the army action on Golden temple of Mrs. Gandhi. The most important factor that brought victory was the role of USSR. When Nixon dispatched USS Enterprise to clamp down and contain winning Indians and aiding Pakistan, it was our great friend USSR which sent group of ships armed with nuclear missiles that kept, Nixon on his toe, who was inciting, abetting Chinese to actively participate in war. It may be snow bounded Himalayan passes of Nov and Dec that might have stopped Chinese from direct invasion.

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Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

Well, there comes the new stuff, theories, ideas, preconceived notions, trying to sell old wine in new bottle. A reader is coming up with a hybrid theory, trying to mix up two different concepts of governance of state namely democracy and monarchy with an excuse that, capability counts.

The question is what yard stick is being used by reader to fathom and judge the so called capability which he has foreseen and those series of capabilities needs to be explained by reader, so majority if not all validate the same.

Further the reader is contradicting his theory, by stating “every individual has right to occupy the highest position, as ours is the best democracy”. That’s what all democratic minds of this forum are trying to convey and endorse. If so why the reader is biased towards any particular dynastical rule? Is Reader of the opinion that Particular families are only fertile to gift to the nation best of abilities, to decorate highest offices and rest of the nation is barren? Why this capability is only restricted to become just PM, CM, Chair persons, but not to become another Real Mahatma Gandhi , JP, Mother Theresa, APJA Kalam or Baba Amte to serve India better right at grass root level ? Coming to readers statement “Tremendous progress is made compared to other countries “, which are those countries that reader points? Pakistan and Bangladesh? Why not Japan, or Four East Asian tigers namely, Singapore, Taiwan, S Korea and Hong Kong, which have found their place in first thirty best economies of the world in spite of their scruffy, shabby past economic background, Where as readers so called SUPER ECONOMIC POWER has found no place near by, in spite of its rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, largest technical pool. World wide index of economical freedom (2006 ), awards first and second place to Hong Kong and Singapore, Taiwan at 37 th place, S Korea at 45 th place, 110 th place to Pakistan and 121 st place to India, 141 th place to Bangladesh. This index of economic freedom is proportional to, quality rule of law, lack of Political interference and corruption, low inflation with regards to economic developments. The GDP (PPP) per capita of India stands at, 118 th place, compared to Hong Kong at 5 th, Singapore at 17 th, Japan at 18 th, Taiwan at 23 rd, S Korea at 30 th, Pakistan at 129 and Bangladesh at 138 th place. Country men has every right to high light these scientific and economic truth and facts, question their leaders regarding this disparity, even though few opine its blame, jealous or criticism.

The pursuit for super economic status is not over rather just begun. We need to find our place amongst DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, for that we need all the best brains of this country, irrespective of Religion, cast community, party they belong, but not just few from particular families. I agree that Congress was the party of freedom fighters and patriots then.

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MOHAN H NAIK, Mangaluru

Hey Anand, you forgot me ? I will also join such party,Which respects secular democratic rule and is imbibed with progressive thoughts and actions,opposes family rule, either of Nehrus, Scindias,Gowdas, Thakreys or Lallus.Any more takers ?

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Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

Richard, I agree with your point of view. Sacrifice for the nation can not be an all time justification or pre-qualification for the kith and kin of particular dynasty, to rule this nation one after other in turns. If we talk of Sacrifice, those were the great ladies, like Sister Nivedita , Annie Besant, who offered themselves to this country with out expecting anything in return. The anomaly is the truth that they are being forgotten today, and only Sonia on 70 mm screen. That’s what the height of sycophancy is.

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Vijay, Mangalore

Mr. Alfred J. Rebello - Your question can also be extended to other political families ruling in India. The Karunanidi family, Laalu Family, Devegowda family or BalThackrey family. All these family and Nehru family do not get elected by their charm - they get elected as the leaders by Money power. The more money a person has in a party - the stronger leader he becomes. Unfortunately this is the sad state of Indian politics.

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Royston, Mangalore

Mr. DonFrank I disagree with your views regarding 'SACRIFICES' done by Nehru family. Please note that NO POLITICIAN in India including the extended Nehru family and other political party leaders are here to make Sacrifices. They are here to either make millions or to safeguard their ill-gotten wealth.

Just think, why are the Congress party workers blindly supporting the Nehru family, is it due to the visionary leadership - no sir, it is the power of Money.What could be Nehru family worth now? Same goes with DMK empire Jayalalitha empire, Laalu empire, Shivsena empire...etc - The amount of money these leaders have amassed, they can remain leaders for next 4 generations.

Bangladesh war was won because of Generals and Indira took the decision to listen to her defense chiefs unlike her Father Nehru.

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Donfrank, MANGALAORE, UAE

Eventhough many people are against dynastic rule, we should accept the fact that Nehru/Gandhi family has done many sacrifices for for our country. No doubt, there were blunders committed by them, but we should bear in mind that India is the biggest democratic country in the World. Today India has become a strong economic power, inspite of numerous problems. Nehru's, Indira Gandhi's and Rajiv Gandhi's moderate views, progressive thinking and secular credentials have helped India to become a strong economic and military power in the World.

During the 1971 Bangladesh War, India had crushed Pakistan to such an extent that they may not even think of attacking India in future. All credit should go to Indira Gandhi. In fact, I was against her during the Emergency rule. I still consider this as her biggest mistake, as it was against democracy. However, her overall peformance was quite good. We all know what had happened during the hijacking of India's passanger plane by TALIBAN TERRORISTS, and how our so called 'patriotic' leaders had negotiated with them! Invasion of Kargil by Pakistani forces and our 'intelligence failure' to stop their incursion during the NDA rule is not forgotten by majority of Indians. Kargil was the biggest blunder of this century and India had lost thousands of its soldirs.

We had claimed victory at the end, but at what cost? So blunders are commmitted even by NDA and other non-Congress Governments. In fact, our defence forces became very strong during Indira Gandhi's rule and India had defeated arch rival Pakistan. Instead of appreciating the good work done by Nehur/Gandhi family, we blame them for everything, because we do not have balanced thinking. Congress had committed many blunders but it has done many good things as well. Rahul Gandhi is taking keen interest in politics and one day he will be our PM. He is quite young,energetic and we need young leaders, not leaders who are above 75.

Even Sonia Gandhi is doing a good job. Both of them are secular and progressive. The young generation of modern India will surely support them and the Congress Party. Long live our democrancy. Jai Hind.

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MOHAN H NAIK, Mangaluru

Alfred, wish to answer your queries.1) Agree with you. All most all politicians are burden to this nation .But as they are not being glorified, by sycophants, question do not arise to make a mention of them all. 2) Agree with you. We can not change the past. But dear friend, in the name of past we can not sacrifice the present time or future.3) Disagree with you. By analyzing the past weakness, we can avoid future failures. Failure is the stepping stone of successes. 4) Disagree with you. This is not criticism.

But it is an honest effort to stop sycophancy and safeguard democracy which means, Of the people, By the people, For the people, But not, By the Nehrus, Of the Nehrus, For the Nehrus.5) Agree with you. Unfortunately the market values of votes are so cheap now a day, people like, Devegowda are called Ex Prime minister of India. Forget about my voting power,Can your Voting power prevent recurrence of such blunders dear Alfred? If so please use your voting power and check the nexus between BJP and JD(S).6) Agreed. I too have no reservation for any Government ruling this country as long as they keep real secular structure of this country in tact. But your notion, Congress is the only Secular party is a myth, as in my opinion Everybody in the game be it Congress or BJP.7) your narration, Jinnaha offering two options to Mahatma, looks more like Kindergarten story.

However there are many schools of thought about partition, so you are also welcome to propose yours.8) disagree with your comment, ‘Perhaps there were no able advisers available at that time, to stop the blunders’. Please read the book written by Brigadier J.P Dalvi, regarding 1962 Indo-China war, called Himalayan blunder, which will explain you how Nehru turned a deaf ear to the advise of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, leading to defeat, there by making every Indian ashamed and humiliated. I wish your words are true, at least present Government will make sincere efforts to learn from past mistake, instead Rahul making speech, ‘You know my family can do anything,,,,, 9) Don’t jump to the conclusion that by pin pointing Rajeev’s shortfall, I am his detractor. I also have the same sentiments as every Indian has. But I can not digest the fact that unwanted IPKF operation has butchered over 1100 soldiers and cost over 2000 crores Rupees of Indian tax payers. This was at the cost of winning Sri Lankan animosity and hatred, apart from an award of ‘Certificate of allegation of human rights violation by Indian forces’.

Rajeev as an individual is not responsible, but as a PM of nation definitely is responsible. Alfred, Indian forces were accused of indulging in number of civilian massacres, involuntary disappearances, rapes during their time in the Northeastern provinces of Sri Lanka, which may be a cause for LTTE suicidal attack on Rajeev, but not definitely your theory ‘ Rajeev was coming back strongly’.

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Alfred J. Rebello, Kundapur/Dubai

Mohan, let us forget about Nehru/Gandhi dynasty, as you say they are burden to the country. Atleast tell me which politicians are not burden. Atleast people can elect them in the next elections. Moreover can we change the past or will it help solving future matters? Criticizing nothing will happen. You have given the voting right, please use it to defeat whoever is burden to India.

For me, I have no problem any Government comes provided they unite the country and NOT divide the country on the basis of upper class and lower class or majority and minority. With regard to division of India, what little I know, Jinnah offered Mahatma Gandhi either division or civil war and Gandhi opted for the first to avoid the uncertainty and deaths of many.

ith regards to blunder made by Nehru dynasty, perhaps there were no criticisers or able advisors available at that time what we have today who could easily tell what to do and what not to do. And because of this current Government is trying their best.

If at all India is in this position today it is because of Dr. Manmohan singh's long sightednes. With regard to Rajiv Gandhi's stunt with IPKF, it is not one man decision. But he paid for it sacrificing his own life. Now I am not sure whether LTTE did it on their own or they have been hired by our own politicians since Rajiv gandhi was coming back strongly.

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Ananda P., Hejamady/Mumbai

Marian...please don't create anything of your own. Elections were not declared when Kargil war started. It was after the end of Kargil war that AIADMK withdrew support and the Loksabha elections were declared. Just by having half knowledge do not give such absurd statements to mislead the people. You can then say the 1965 war and 1972 wars were created to win the elections. It is nothing but the insult to the people who sacrificed their lives in the war.

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Ananda P., Hejamady/Mumbai

As my friend Nelson rightly said, the caliber of person should not be judged as better based on his family record. If the individual has any proven record of being a good administrator he can be approved for the highest post of ruling the country. What proven track record, Rahul has to rule the country? I assume it’s a BIG ZERO.

If Congress thinks India is just another Rae Barelly or Amethi it’s a big mistake. The country would be in safe hands of the politician, who is seasoned and knows in and out of the administration. As far as the contribution of congress in developing the country is concerned, Nelson has rightly pointed out the comparison with the developed countries. The congress ruled the country directly or indirectly a 85% of the times in the 60 years of independence. They had support of the people to rule and change the shape of the livelihood of the countrymen. What they have done is, just 30% of the work. They should have done at least 80% in delivery.

It is nothing but the failure of a party that had ruled the country majority of the times and had an opportunity to take it forward. Even if you look at major infrastructural projects like Highways and roads, happened during Vajpayee's rule. What Congress had added to such projects? Except few new airports, nothing has taken place in 3 years of Congress Rule.

 By raking “Sethu Samudram” they have proved that their priority is not the road system but only air and sea. If somebody says Rahul being made PM and he would turn the tables, it may sound like a joke. Corruption is the biggest gift given to this country by Congress and it is now followed by every politician and every party. In anyways, the democracy, constitution and Judiciary need a major surgery in our country. But Rahul is not a Doctor he is just one of the patients.

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Arun Sequeira, Mangalore

If people want to heap abuse on the young Rahul and his family, just because they support other parties, they are free to do so. To me, he is any day better than politicians who incite Indians to kill one another on the basis of religion or caste.

Instead of indulging in petty mud-slinging on the basis of hatred, I wish members of certain parties join hands to strengthen our future instead, forgetting all barriers. I wish Rahul all the best and hope he does the country proud

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Mohan H Naik, Mangaluru

Mr. Nelson Lewis, thanks for your comments. In fact it’s your fair minded write-up, on various topics which you keep on posting in this forum, are innovative and informative. You have well explained the Nehru saga. There is a saying in Kannada, ‘Hottege hittilladiddaru, juttige Mallige Hoovu’, that’s what I am being reminded looking at Nehru’s policy of those days when India was termed as under developed / developing country.

NAM was a double standard, so was Panchasheela. Tibet policy of Nehru was a total confusion and disaster. Having started with the greater ideology, it ended up in Nehru’s U-TURN, making China our OFFICIAL FOE. Fruitful, realistic, practical relationships with our neighbors were never thought of. Either we were too soft with them or harsh. The stranded relationships with China, Bangladesh, Srilanka are Nehru family contribution to this nation.

I wonder without understanding this historical truth, how our few matured brethren of this forum are engaged in glorification of Nehru family! It really hurts me, how innocent our people are ready to hand over this great country to a politically immature child who has no experience in political administration and created controversy during his very first public address.

By airing thoughts like, ‘’you know that when my family decides to do anything, it does it. Be it the freedom struggle, the division of Pakistan or taking India to the 21st century ‘’. In the eyes of Rahul, division of the subcontinent is also an achievement. I have no objection for matured, competent Rahul ascending Prime Minister Chair .But he needs to prove to this countrymen that he is not a Blue Jackal drenched with paint which accidentally fell in the paint pan and give no further chance to doubt him, whether he howls or roars.

We expect him to roar. I appreciate the theory of “hot and young blood’ coming up in politics. But this blood should be imbibed with political maturity.

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Vijay, Mangalore

I fully agree with to Mr. Mohan Naik's and would like to add that the problem of Kashmir would have been non-existent today if Nehru had taken a stand during independence, instead of trying to improve his image by going to UN resolution. If not for Sardar Patel, we would have ended up having many more Kashmirs in all princely provinces of Hyderabad, Punjab..etc.

Luckily for India Nehru only interfered with Kashmir. Japan was in a worse state during 1947 than India and see their progress today - That is what good leadership can do for a country. I feel, So many deserving leaders like SubashChandra Bose could have taken our country to great heights. But unfortunately even today in congress and no deserving leader comes up except from the Nehru-FAMILY.

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MOHAN H NAIK, Mangaluru

Mr Alfred your question why Nehru family is a burden, has been answered by me before.However if you wish me to enlighten you again, please note the following. Its selfish,trivial political agenda of Nehru equally Jinnaha responsible for the TNT, two nation theory leading to division of sub continent, creating a permanent rift between India and Pakistan.

The Nehru concept of mixed economy is a flop show.Nehrus socialism did more harm than good to this Nation.Corruption, Nepotism,Red tapism are the contribution. The state owned white elephant, public sectors are example.The Himalayan blunder, an unforgettable nightmare to every Indian.Days of emergency speaks volumes of truth. IPKF episode at Sri lanka,how our soldiers were butchered by LTTE, and how at Indian army was kicked out of from Sri lanka, by harsh words of Jayavardhane though history,unforgettable, and reflects political immaturity of then Prime minister of India,Rajeev Gandhi.

I dont wish to speak petty issues like Bofors, as I do not believe in hate politics.If you wish I will discuss with you in depth.

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Royston, Mangalore

I wonder which 'people of India' forced Sonia to comeback ? except for the Congress party workers as Congress do not have any second line of leadership. Do you think your Boss's wife(or husband) can become your boss from tomorrow in the office, just because he/she happens to be the spouse? Family politics is a snag to India's progress.

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Alfred J. Rebello, Kundapur/Dubai

On reading the comments of Mohan Naik 'No. Nehru family has become a burden to India', I would like ask him only one question, 'Which politician is not a burden to India?. For me all the politicians are burden to India, who only thinks of themselves rather the country. And to aquire the power they do anything even harm the nation and the people who elected them.

Atleast Sonia did not go after the power on her own but we, pure Indians, forced her into politics and she atleast is trying her best to clean the corrupt minds of the politicians. Many say she is corrupt and playing games, if so then tell me who is NOT corrupt and not playing games? Perhaps this they say just to satisfy themselves, but no one could prove Sonia wrong. I am not saying Nehru dynasty are saints, but not satans even.

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sudeep, udupi

World's largest democracy is India, It is indeed SAD that India's oldest party has no internal democracy and 'one family' FULLY controls it. We can only expect more sycophancy from the party workers making sure they are in good books of this 'FAMILY' and make some money for themselves, to hell with country's development.

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MOHAN H NAIK, Mangaluru

No. Nehru family has become burden to India

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Royston, Mangalore

I am not convinced about Rahul Gandhi's abilities or his leadership and political acumen. Sometimes I feel that the Nehru family has become a liability to India.

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A.D'Cunha Shenoy, India

The Nehru, Indira, Rajiv and now Rahul. Yes, its dynesty politics and why not. I am sure Rahul can be a good prime minister of India one day. Credit, entirely, now should go to his mother, a great Lady, Sonia for walking him in India in the footsteps of her family. While educated abroad yet retaining his Indianness he has lot to offer for India.

His vision must be politics of reality and when I say reality he must address the most pressing needs of the country to uplift the poor, support the middle class and ask and give incentives to the the rich to share the wealth with the masses. While retaining agriculture as the backbone of India's development, he must introduce mechanisms to employ the young and educated within India itself instead of the mass migration occuring right now, draining Indian educated young to outside world.

Over and above he must engage the young to key postions while the old and intelectuals as advisors. I hope , and he should, and can lead the nation in the coming decades, God willing.

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Marian D'Souza, Mangalore Falnir

Just like his illustrious Grandfather Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and his late father Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul is certain to prove his mettle very soon and lead the party to a resounding victory in the next Lok Sabha polls.Being young and energetic Rahul who is just 37 years old has very good prospects of becoming the Prime Minister like his father the late Rajiv Gandhi at a very young age. Rahul's youthful image and charismatic personality will work to his advantage in the run up to the polls and lead the nation with a broad vision and rid it from the clutches of communal and casteist politics once and for all.Good Luck to Rahul in his new assignment.

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