This refers to T C A Srinivasa-Raghavan's column "Et tu, Natwar!" (Kitabkhana, August 5). Did Natwar Singh write his autobiography to get even with Sonia Gandhi for his disgraceful removal from her inner circle? Or did he write it to inform the public about its most reclusive political leader who (un)shaped India's destiny for a decade and more? Whatever be his intent, there are lessons for the political bosses. They should not underestimate the harm their influential protege can cause them when he falls from their in-group. Instead of ousting him unceremoniously, he should be eased out tactfully.
Besides, a political leader who thrives on a culture of sycophancy and has an unapproachable persona, should know that his/her trusted team consists mostly of self-servers whose loyalty ends the moment they are out of favour. Whether the jilted person will bite or bark or will be lying low depends on his power to influence public opinion.
The writer analyses the revelations made by Singh well, but surprisingly he endorses Sonia Gandhi's access to government files as common practice in elected governments. She was not a minister. The Constitution does not authorise a party president (even a kingmaker) or head of the National Advisory Council to peep into government secrets.
Y G Chouksey Pune
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