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At the risk of repetition we would like to emphasise that, as Congressmen, we look up to you as a leader who kept the party together and is a source of strength to all of us. We hope that you will continue in this role for many years. But, as a responsible political party, we also have to understand the genuine concern of the average Indian who may or may not be a Congressman. That Indian is concerned about the person who will guide the course of his destiny for at least five years

lndia's Prime ministership is probably the single most difficult job in the world today. A country the size of a subcontinent, with a population of 980 million. A vibrant, vocal democracy, a struggling economy, fissiparous forces tearing the social fabric, insurgency and terrorism which cuts at national unity. No government anywhere in the world faces the type of complex problems and multidimensional issues that need attention in India. A person who is to take the reins of this country needs a large measure of experience and understanding of public life. That is why the founders of the party insisted that people who aspired for higher positions should first spend time working their way up. This way the party worker got acquainted with the complexity of issues in the country.

The average Indian is not unreasonable in demanding that his Prime Minister have some track record in public life. The Congress Party needs to respect this very justifiable expectation. We need to understand that, during an election campaign, every congress worker has to be able to be aggressive about his party's line. Our workers cannot afford to be either defensive or apologetic. This will negatively affect the party's performance.

We believe, Madam President, that even now it is not too late. Let this great party once again move forward in the direction of Rajivji's dream. - A strong resurgent India leading the world into the 21't century. Rajivji's dream was shared by all of us. We look to you to lead the party to fulfil this dream.

We have discussed this matter today in the CWC at great length. We stand by the views we have expressed there. There can be no two opinions that this personalized campaign started by the BJP against you is reprehensible and needs to be opposed strongly. At the same time we would again state that the issue raised by us in today 's meeting is real as far as this country is concerned and cannot be wished away.

We believe that it is our responsibility as congressmen and political leaders to formally place on record our view and request the CWC and you to consider the following suggestion which we feel would set at rest the controversy currently being debated across the country.

(1) The Congress Manifesto should suggest an amendment to the Constitution of India, to the effect that the offices of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister can only be held by natural born Indian citizens.

We would also request that you, as Congress president, propose this amendment. This will be in line vath your own consistent stand that your sole concern in entering public life was to revive and rejuvenate the party for what Pandit ji, lndiraji and Rajivji gave their all, Such a stand will not only further enhance your status but also give strength to the Congress party as it goes to the polls.

We urge you to consider the issues we have raised in the same spirit and seriousness with which we have raised them. We believe that in the larger interests of the party and the country you would accept the suggestion we have made.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

P.A.SANGMA	TARIQ ANWAR	SHARAD PAWAR