Indian Congress claims emphatic victory

---

Dr. Manmohan Singh returns to office largely unencumbered by the demands and conditions that his UPA partners have placed on him, leading to compromises that weren't in the best interest of the nation. This time, there will be no excuses for shying away from doing what is right. To their great credit, the Gandhis have shown a gentleness of touch that dynasties aren't always known for. That, combined with their sense of commitment, bodes well.
Insiders feel that Rahul showed impeccable leadership is the clarity he provided on two vital issues, which could have clouded the party campaign. One, he unambiguously kept the issue of prime ministership out of the pale of speculation, despite the clamour for taking the baton. He appeared to have kept the best advice and stuck to the script with rare focus. For a man to have clocked 125 meetings, covering 87,000 km, Rahul also proved a tireless campaigner. It can be said with some evidence that he struck a chord with the youth across the country: Bring young generation together and inspire them to take interest in honest politics and stand for integrity and progress for future generations instead of hatred and divisions based on caste, religion and region. A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.

Gopal Sengupta
Canada
e-mail: _gopalsengupta@aol.com