COVER STORY
OF DEFAMATION political observers believed this warped her mind so much that it ultimately led to the imposition of emergency. No doubt emergency was misused at several levels but the charge of excesses against her had only shortterm impact as within less than three years she was re-elected with overwhelming majority. Rajiv Gandhi was also a victim of tendentious allegations. Congressmen allege that Bofors scam was nothing but a deep-rooted conspiracy. In spite of many years’ investigations nothing came out to prove that Rajiv was a recipient of any kick-backs. The Bofors scandal helped only to badly impact the defence preparedness of the country. Sonia Gandhi too faced innumerable baseless charges for several years, and it goes to her credit that she overcame them with fortitude. Over the years she learnt to face them and give befitting replies to her adversaries. Today she is able to silence her detractors within and outside the party.
The political experience Sonia Gandhi gained when Rajiv was the prime minister, helped her later to face the onslaught of opponents and bring the party back to power. Braving criticism of being a person of foreign origin, she soon turned the table on her formidable opponents. Then Rahul was targetted when he started shaping up his political personality by going among the people and trying to understand the Indian society and their problems. He was called ‘Yuvraj’, a disparaging sobriquet in political terminology. But the way he is trying to infuse new spirit among the youth of the party, he should emerge as a powerful and effective leader in days to come.
Conspiracy to tarnish Rahul as characterless Many opposition politicians and some even in the Congress fear
Sonia Gandhi too faced several baseless charges and personal attacks for many years. It goes to her credit that she took them in her stride with fortitude. Over the years she learnt to give befitting replies to her adversaries. Today we find she can stand on her own against all detractors within and outside the party.
that if Rahul becomes prime minister one day, their political future would be routed forever. So the gangrape charge against him was concocted --that on 3rd December 2006 Rahul
NOVEMBER, 2012 LOKAYAT |
11