Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Struck by insecurity” (November 13). By not inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an international conference that the Congress organised to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the party has scored a self-goal. The Congress has never followed many of the Nehruvian principles. Nehru was never in favour of dynasty politics. Even the non-Congress parties never criticised his core vision for the country’s development. Thus, the Congress’s justification for Mr Modi’s exclusion, citing Nehruvian ideas and ideology, is bogus.
This has not sent a positive message in the country. In a hurry to snub Mr Modi, the Congress has forgotten that he is the Prime Minister. The Congress’s decision exposes the party’s fears that Mr Modi’s presence may turn a party event into a national function.