Sir — Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has said that she wants Ms Sonia Gandhi to continue as the president of the party. This view has come at a time when plans are afoot to transfer the mantle of leadership to Mr Rahul Gandhi who, most of the leaders in the Congress believe, is not equipped to resurrect the sagging image of the party or give it direction. The doubts Ms Dikshit entertains, though she has been explaining that she has not adversely commented on Mr Gandhi’s leadership qualities, are genuine and not without reason. Many Congress leaders feel that the party will sink further under Mr Gandhi’s leadership.
Intra-party democracy never existed in the party. Ms Dikshit has sensed that if she continues to stick to her view, the heat will turn on her. Consequently, she would be cornered by the Congress leadership. No leader in the Congress has the courage to suggest the name of any person not belonging to the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, for the presidentship. All say for the record that, sink or sail, the Congress should have a member from the dynasty as the head.
Notable exceptions are when Sitaram Kesri and PV Narasimha Rao were party presidents. Even Ms Dikshit cannot express her willingness to head the party.