Closed Wounds

Congressmen were delighted that "Priyanka came through looking so good and magnanimous". They are of course careful to say nothing on the record about the Nehru-Gandhi family. But sources close to the family and ministers were clear on one issue: this is no indicator to Priyanka entering politics when elections take place in 2009. Says a party leader: "This family hangs together and remains very close because of the terrible loss they have suffered. They have decided it is Rahul's turn." That the charismatic Priyanka is still there in the wings, perhaps ready to enter politics when her children are older, is nevertheless a reassuring thought for the Congress party.

But a senior party leader is categorical that "even fears of defeat in the polls will not force the hand of the Gandhi family or compel Priyanka to enter politics. After all, the leadership of the party remains a family preserve. And in politics there is always the next chance." As for any electoral gains from Priyanka's visit, the dynasty looks good and that is an intangible gain for the Congress.

There is also a small section in the Congress that believes Priyanka's visit was motivated by fears for her brother Rahul who will now be campaigning intensively across the country. Says a party insider: "She wants to end the legacy of blood and violence and by her kindness to Nalini she perhaps quietly wanted to send a message to the LTTE."

What is clear is that only a powerful emotion would have driven Priyanka to look into the face of a member of the assassination squad that killed her father. It would have required great inner strength to feel compassion for the guilty. Shorn of politics, it was a magnificent act in an age of mediocrity. For the dynasty that steered independent India's "tryst with destiny", this visit to a prison by a daughter seeking answers was a compelling moment of truth.