Letters: We lack mature leaders

The editorial, "Lower the temperature" (February 25) does well to caution the coalition government at the Centre not to alienate the Opposition from parliamentary debates. But it should have also spared some lines of advice for the Opposition, in particular the Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a meeting with members of major Opposition parties, the Lok Sabha speaker and the chairman of the Rajya Sabha to emphasise the need for cooperation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu, too, pleaded for peaceful conduct of proceedings in the two Houses of Parliament. Yet there were frequent adjournments in the Rajya Sabha on the very first day of the Budget session.

Actually, all parties are interested in nurturing their political constituencies: Hindus, Dalits, minorities, tribals and now, students. The Opposition is still unwilling to reconcile with Modi's ascension to the PM's post. That is why they have no time to discuss issues vital for the progress and security of the country, such as terrorist attacks and labour and economic reforms. The Congress' opposition to the goods and services tax is a glaring example of this. Is it really wise or necessary to include an 18 per cent tax limit in the Constitution, as the party has demanded?

At a time when India is at the cusp of opportunities, it lacks mature and prudent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, B R Ambedkar, Ram Manohar Lohia and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The youth of our country deserve better leaders.

Y G Chouksey, Pune

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