Cong pride in dynastic politics is India's misfortune: MP CM

Bhopal, Sep 26 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today lamented that it was the country's ''misfortune'' that the Congress actually felt proud about its tendency to encourage dynastic politics.

Reacting to Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi's elevation as the party's General Secretary, Mr Chouhan told UNI that -- barring exceptions -- Mr Gandhi's greatest eligibility criterion was that he was the son of United Progressive Alliance Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

''During the recent Uttar Pradesh assembly hustings, Mr Gandhi assumed charge of campaiging but the results exposed his true talent. His contribution to the nation is negligible and the responsibility bestowed on him indicates bankruptcy of leadership in the Congress,'' the Chief Minister added.

Claiming that on the other hand the BJP had a tradition of capable and effective leadership, he added that BJP leaders did not tumble down from heights but normally journeyed to the pinnacle from the base.

''The BJP boasts of several luminaries who were epitomes of renunciation and made sacrifices for the country. Under the stewardship of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his deputy L K Advani, the party confronted several challenges. In contrast, the Congress has left no stone unturned in hollowing democracy and leaving it in tatters. That party's leadership is unacquainted with ground realities,'' Mr Chouhan added.

UNI