Do we not need leaders in various political persuasions, why this intolerance?

By O.J.George

These days we have been witnessing episodes, maybe minor in nature but have deeper meaning, which speak of the degeneration in political conduct and co-existence.

Rahul Gandhi, the scion of the Gandhi family, and one of the strongest contenders for power in the country, made a visit to a few colleges in the state where students accorded him a warm welcome.

No doubt, the general public also appreciated his tour as well as his remarks. Of course, there may be political differences and rivals may not have taken kindly to his making inroads into their bastions.

All the same, those who launched vitriolics against Rahul Gandhi’s visit, forget for a moment that the country needs leaders who should have a feel of the pulse of the people. The more they get acquainted with people of all sorts, the better for the society as these would have an impact in their minds when laws, schemes and missions are thought of.

Not only Rahul Gandhi, but also all leaders should be let in so that they would get richer experience and the people would come to know them in close quarters.

But people like A.K.Balan made remarks of intolerance about the visit of Rahul Gandhi. Not to lose time, the CPM activists acted against a hotel owner for his feeding Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi enjoyed the good coffee served to him by Abdul Azeez, owner of the Olive Hotel at Palazhi junction in Olavanna panchayat in Kozhikode district. The hotel people were taken aback when Rahul Gandhi’s entourage stopped at the joint and had coffee and bites. He also gave them an autograph, writing ‘good coffee’.

Sadly someone broke the glass in which coffee was served to Rahul. Now the hotel owner is charged by the CPM-ruled panchayat and the health centre facility for using muddled water in the hotel, which is denied by the owner.

It seems some people have been flabbergasted by the affection bestowed on a leader. The attitude that no one else should come in is nothing but intolerance. Even RSS has made it clear that there is nothing wrong in Rahul Gandhi visiting rural areas.

Let charistmatic leaders of all political parties visit our state and learn about its rich culture, traditions and way of life.