... and another ....

Andhra's much popular 'YSR' becomes the latest in a long line of Congress leaders to meet his unfortunate end in a crash. The names of Madhav Rao Scindia; Jitendra Prasada and Rajesh Pilot come to mind .... tall regional leaders snatched in the prime of their political careers.

I was impressed when, defying all popular opinion, YSR led the Congress to a sweep of 33 out of 42 LS seats in this year's general elections, besides winning a 2nd term in the state assembly polls held concurrently.

The search operations for the wrecked chopper were pretty intensive, involving as they did IAF Mi-17s; Dhruvs; Su-30 MKIs (with an IL-78 for in flight refuelling); an ISRO terrain mapping plane with Indian and US reconnaissance satellites also playing a part. Ground forces included AP Greyhound special forces; Army and Central paramilitary troops besides the local tribals. Boats were also pressed into service on the Krishna river.

Brings to mind the question, is the Congress cursed to lose such powerful leaders ever so often? Because one doesn't see this happening with other parties a lot.