आज अपने को पंडित नेहरू का वारिस कहनेवाली सोनिया परिवार की गिरती या गिरी हालत देख बहुत दुख होता है।
सोनिया गांधी का भारतीय बनकर रहना उनकी मजबूरी थी, पर वे वैधानिक रूप से विदेशी मूल की होने के कारण खुद प्रधानमंत्री बन नहीं सकती थीं। उसके बाद भी वे भारत की संस्कृति से कुछ सीख सकतीं थीं, पर वे नहीं सिखी। शायद राजीव गांधी भी नहीं सीख सके, पाइलट की तरह काम करते हुए प्रसन्न थे।
इन्दिरा गांधी भी शायद नहीं सिखी थी, जो राजीव और संजय को कुछ सिखाती। उनकी माँ कमला गांधी तो उनके बचपन में ही मर चुकी थी, शायद वह कारण रहा होगा। या शायद उनकी वैसे बनने का कारण, उनका दूसरे धर्म के व्यक्ति को जीवनसाथी बनाना और उनके प्रभाव के कारण हो।
इन्दिरा गांधी को जो सम्मान बांग्लादेश बनाने का दिया जाता है, वह भी शायद ठीक नहीं है। उनके पहले लाल बहादुर शास्त्री पाकिस्तान को सीख दे चुके थे और उनके बाद के अटल बिहारी बाजपेयी ने भी दिया।
इन्दिरा गांधी की क्षत्र छाया में संजय गांधी ने जो किया और फिर चुनाव हारने बाद आपातकालीन क़ानून लगा कर उन्होंने किया, वह किसी तरह शोभनीय नहीं हो सकता है। फिर इंदिरा गांधी ने जो स्वर्ण मन्दिर में रहते हुए विद्रोही सिखों के लिये स्वर्ण मन्दिर पर गोलाबारी का रास्ता अपनाया, वह भी ठीक नहीं था। उसका फल हुआ उनके सुरक्षा में तैनात लोगों ने ही उनको मार डाला । वहीं से चालू हुआ परिवार वाद का क्रम। संजय गांधी अपने कमज़ोरियाँ के कारण मरे, राजीव गांधी जो वायुयान चालक थे प्रधानमंत्री बना दिये गये और प्रणव मुखर्जी की तरह योग्य आदमी को दर किनार कर दिया गया। पर राजीव गांधी की अपनी अपरिपक्व नीति के कारण जघन्य तरीक़े से हत्या हुई।
फिर अटलबिहारी बाजपेयी को एक वोट से हरा कर हुए चुनाव में काँग्रेस तो जीत गई पर सोनिया गांधी प्रधानमंत्री नहीं बन पाई और आश्चर्य की बात है कि मनमोहन सिंह को प्रधानमंत्री बना कर सरकार की पूरी बागडोर अपने हाथ में ही रखी। मनमोहन सिंह मजबूरी में कठपुतली बने देखते रहे।
उसी समय सोनिया गांधी अगर पांच साल बाद राहुल गांधी को प्रधानमंत्री बनवा देती जो शायद संभव था, राहुल गांधी की तमन्ना पूरी हो जाती। पर या तो राहुल गांधी की कामयाबी पर उस समय भी सोनिया गांधी को भरोसा नहीं था या वे अपनी सत्ता छोड़ना नहीं चाहती थी।
आजके दिन राहुल गांधी प्रतिपक्ष के नेता हैं और प्रधानमंत्री बनने की अदम्य ख़्वाहिश रखते हैं। पर देश की उनकी सहयोगी दलों की डगमगाती सहमति के कारण अकेले होते गये हैं। राजनीतिक परिपक्वता का तो शायद पूर्ण अभाव है। लोक सभा में खड़े होते ही लगता है कि वे बड़े ग़ुस्से में हैं और शायद वही भाव उनके शब्दों और भावों में झलकने लगता है।
उधर नरेन्द्र मोदी पंद्रह साल तक गुजरात के देश के सफल मुख्यमंत्री रहते हुए अपनी योग्यता के बल पर भारतीय जनता पार्टी के लिये सिरमौर बन गये हैं और प्रधानमंत्री की तरह तीव्र गति से बदलते भारत की समृद्धि और शक्ति के प्रभाव के कारण दुनिया भर में सम्मान से देखे जाने लगे हैं। भारत हर क्षेत्र में दिन दुगनी और रात चौगुनी की रफ़्तार आगे बढ़ रहा है।
पर दुख की बात है कि पड़ोसी पाकिस्तान और चीन तो पहले से भारत के दुश्मन रहें हैं, अब अमरीका के राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्प के अद्भुत और विकृत समझ में न आनेवाले व्यवहार के कारण भारत की प्रगति को बनाये रखने के लिये एक नई जटिल समस्या आ गई है।
अमरीका के कुछ अजीबोग़रीब मानसिकता वाले अर्द्ध सरकारी संगठनों और कुछ अकूत धनी उद्योगपतियों के इशारे पर गांधी परिवार और कुछ सिरफिरे असफल नेताओं को अपनी तरफ कर, और नई पीठी के राजनीतिक मानसिकता वाले कुछ साधारण धूर्त नवयुवक अपने को नेता घोषित कर ( तिलचट्टे पार्टी) लोगों को गुमराह कर रहे हैं। ये सभी एकजुट हो देश के विदेशी दुश्मनों का साथ दे रहे हैं। लोकप्रिय मोदी सरकार के खिलाफ कभी किसी एक व्यक्ति विशेष फिर दूसरे व्यक्ति को हटवाने के हिंसक आन्दोलन कर रहे हैं।
जबसे मोदी ने ‘विकसित भारत २०४७’ का नारा और उसके लिये नये नये विश्वस्तरीय कार्यों का आरंभ कर रहे हैं, तब से गांधी परिवार के तीनों सदस्य और वौखला गये हैं। उपरोक्त कार्यक्रमों में उनका साथ दे रहे है।इन नये नये घातक कारनामों से आन्दोलन में पूरा अमरीकी सह है, वहां से बड़ी धनराशि आ रही है इस के लिये। इन तरीक़ों से देश के बहुत जगहों पर गड़बड़ी और हिंसात्मक पुरज़ोर प्रयास किया जा रहा है।अमरीका विशेष वहाँ के आज के सिरफिरा नेतृत्व भारत मूल के लोगों के कमजोर वर्ग के लिये अमरीका तरह तरह के बहानों से तकलीफ़ खड़ा कर रहा है और वीसा आदि दर बढ़ा उनको तंग कर रहा है। हो सकता है कि राहुलजी प्रिय सैम पित्रोदा जी आजकल यही कर रहे हैं।
लगता है इन तामसी, आसुरी, राक्षसी प्रवृत्ति के लोगों के बढ़ते अत्याचारों से प्रभावित हो, उनको नष्ट करने के लिये और सनातन धार्मिकता का रास्ता साफ करने के लिये एक बार फिर पुरुषोत्तम राम या कृष्ण की तरह के अवतार हो, यह उन्होंने आश्वासन दिया था-
“जब जब होई धर्म कै हानी। बाढहि असुर अधम अभिमानी । करहिं अनीति जाइ नहिं बरनी। … तब तब प्रभु धरि बिबिध सरीरा। हरहिं कृपानिधि सज्जन पीरा॥”
भगवान कृष्ण गीता में कहे थे-
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानि भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानम् अधर्मस्य तथातमानम् सृजामि अहम्॥ ४- ७.८॥
The Sonia Gandhi Family: Its Present Condition and the Reasons Behind It
It is deeply saddening to see the declining political fortunes of the Sonia Gandhi family, which today claims the legacy of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
For Sonia Gandhi, becoming an Indian citizen and making India her home was a matter shaped by her circumstances. However, her foreign origin did not, by itself, constitutionally disqualify her from becoming Prime Minister. Nevertheless, she chose not to occupy that office. Even so, one might have expected her to learn more about Indian culture and traditions, but it appears that she did not make sufficient efforts in this direction. Perhaps Rajiv Gandhi, too, did not develop a deep understanding of Indian culture and politics. He seemed more comfortable and content in his earlier profession as a pilot.
Indira Gandhi, too, perhaps did not develop a sufficiently deep understanding of Indian traditions and culture. She was unable to provide Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi with adequate guidance in this regard. Her mother, Kamala Nehru, died when Indira was still a child. It is possible that this loss influenced her personality. However, a person’s outlook and behaviour are shaped by many factors, and it would not be appropriate to attribute them to any single cause.
The credit given to Indira Gandhi for the creation of Bangladesh should also be examined in its wider historical context. Before her, Lal Bahadur Shastri had firmly confronted Pakistan during the 1965 war. Later, Atal Bihari Vajpayee also adopted a strong position against Pakistan. The achievements of every Prime Minister should be evaluated in light of the circumstances of the time and the results achieved.
Under Indira Gandhi’s protection and influence, Sanjay Gandhi played a controversial role during the Emergency. His actions raised serious questions when judged against democratic values. The experience of the Emergency, which ended after the 1977 elections, left a deep scar on Indian democracy.
Later, Indira Gandhi’s government chose military action to remove armed extremists who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple complex. This operation had grave religious and political consequences. Eventually, in 1984, two members of her own security detail assassinated her. The event marked a new chapter in the political history of the Gandhi family.
Sanjay Gandhi died in an aircraft accident. After his death, Rajiv Gandhi, who had been a professional pilot, entered politics and eventually became Prime Minister. In this process, the role of experienced and capable leaders such as Pranab Mukherjee became comparatively limited. Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure witnessed several important decisions, but some of his government’s policies and political choices also generated serious controversy. He was assassinated in a suicide bombing in 1991.
In the 2004 general election, the Congress-led alliance won. The government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee lost power. Sonia Gandhi’s decision not to become Prime Minister attracted considerable public discussion at the time. Dr Manmohan Singh subsequently became Prime Minister. Critics argued that a substantial share of political power remained with Sonia Gandhi and that Manmohan Singh’s freedom to act independently as Prime Minister was limited. On the other hand, his supporters point to economic growth and other achievements during his tenure.
Had Sonia Gandhi chosen to promote Rahul Gandhi for the post of Prime Minister five years later, his political ambition might perhaps have been fulfilled. But it is also possible that she did not have sufficient confidence in his leadership abilities, or that she wished to retain her own influence over the government. These are political interpretations, and it is difficult to establish them with certainty.
Today, Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and aspires to become Prime Minister. However, differences among the parties in the opposition alliance, as well as disagreements over leadership, have made his position challenging. Questions have also been raised about his political maturity and leadership style. At times, his speeches in the Lok Sabha convey an aggressive tone, and his words and body language may reflect frustration. Nevertheless, a leader’s abilities should be assessed not only through speeches but also through policies, organisational skills, and political results.
On the other hand, Narendra Modi served as Chief Minister of Gujarat for approximately twelve and a half years. During this period, he established his political identity at the national level and became one of the leading figures in the Bharatiya Janata Party. Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, his government has launched important initiatives in infrastructure, digital services, manufacturing, defence production, and international relations. India’s efforts to strengthen its economic and strategic capabilities have also increased its importance on the international stage. At the same time, the country’s progress must continue to be assessed against measurable indicators such as economic growth, employment, and social welfare.
Unfortunately, India has long faced serious strategic challenges involving Pakistan and China. Now, the unpredictable policies and changing positions of US President Donald Trump have created additional complexities in India’s international relations. Under these circumstances, India must pursue a balanced and far-sighted foreign policy while firmly protecting its national interests.
Foreign influence, economic interests, and political competition have also become subjects of debate in India’s domestic politics. Some people allege that foreign organisations, influential industrialists, and political groups attempt to influence Indian politics through their connections and resources. The role of certain opposition leaders and emerging political groups has also been controversial. However, such allegations should be accepted only when supported by evidence. Accusations that an organisation or individual receives foreign funding, participates in activities against the country, or incites violence require concrete proof.
Protests against Prime Minister Modi’s government must also be viewed in this context. In a democracy, criticism of the government and the right to peaceful protest are essential. However, violence, damage to public property, and violations of the law cannot be justified. Both the government and the opposition have a responsibility to respect democratic principles and institutions.
The goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 expresses India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by the centenary of its independence. Achieving this objective will require sustained efforts in manufacturing, scientific research, education, healthcare, employment, defence production, and technological innovation. These efforts must place national interests above political differences.
Visa policies, immigration regulations, and administrative decisions in the United States are also important for people of Indian origin living there. Changes in American policy can affect Indian professionals, students, and families. India must therefore make effective diplomatic efforts to protect the interests of its citizens and overseas community. The role of Sam Pitroda and other individuals may be debated politically, but conclusions about anyone’s intentions should be based on reliable facts.
Ultimately, Indian culture and religious traditions teach us that however powerful unrighteousness, injustice, and arrogance may appear, they must be resisted. The ideals embodied by Lord Rama and Lord Krishna in the Sanatana tradition reinforce the principles of protecting righteousness, helping the virtuous, and opposing injustice.
In the Ramcharitmanas, Goswami Tulsidas expresses the purpose of divine incarnation in the following words:
“Whenever righteousness declines,
And arrogant, wicked forces rise;
When injustice grows beyond description,
The Lord assumes different forms,
And relieves the suffering of the virtuous.”
Similarly, in Chapter Four of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares:
“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness, O Bharata,
And a rise in unrighteousness, I manifest Myself.” (4.7)
“For the protection of the virtuous, the destruction of evildoers,
And the establishment of righteousness, I appear age after age.” (4.😎
The essential message of these verses is that when righteousness declines and unrighteousness increases, the restoration of dharma becomes necessary. This message need not be understood solely as a promise to await a divine incarnation. It can also inspire us to follow the path of truth, justice, morality, and duty.
India’s true strength lies in its democratic institutions, cultural heritage, scientific capabilities, economic progress, and informed citizens. To make the country developed and powerful, its leaders must rise above personal ambitions and political rivalries and give priority to national interests, ethical conduct, and public welfare.
