The major reasons for the Congress’s Party’s debacle were both its inability to remain a political force to reckon with and the BJP’s success in convincing the Indian voter that they needed a party with a Hindu orientation at the helm (Editorial page, “The search for Chakrayya”, July 8). Rahul Gandhi simply failed to impress as a leader. References to the past, as done in the article, cannot help justify the perpetuation of rule by the Nehru-Gandhi family for this long. The Congress has so far done disservice to the nation by blocking the emergence of more efficient leaders.

V. Lakshmanan,

Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

Some of us old-timers were delighted to see a Gandhi remembering and recalling K. Kamaraj, arguably the most self-effacing, disciplined and dedicated Congress president. We remember Kamaraj for the historic Avadi session when the party adopted as its aim the establishment of a socialistic pattern of society. Jawaharlal Nehru trusted and admired Kamaraj as party president. But Indira Gandhi didn’t. It didn’t take much time for her to make the party “her field of action”. This dynastic hold continues. Rahul Gandhi’s resignation is not acceptable to the ‘hangers-on’ in the party. And though there are many such ‘hangers-on’ in Congress, there are also youngsters who are committed, sincere and dedicated to the cause of the party. Mr. Gandhi has been wise in resigning as president. But he should ensure the Congress does not get a dummy leader as replacement.

C.V. Venugopalan,

Palakkad, Kerala