NAME: Sonia Gandhi
BORN: Dec. 9, 1946 at Lusiana, Italy
MARRIED: Rajiv Gandhi in 1968
LOST: Mother-in-law Indira Gandhi and husband Rajiv to assassinations
GAINED: The post of president of a rudder-less Congress
ACHIEVED: Return of the party to power after a full term, a feat last seen in 1984.
ADOPTED: A refreshing style of politics that avoids personal attacks, jingoism and divisive talk
And five years ago, when poll results began to suggest that a Congress-led coalition was a possibility, she told friends that it would be Manmohan again. At the time, the BJP was still going on and on about the ‘videshi bahu’ factor, so many friends (and apparently her children) asked her why she did not simply declare that she did not want to be PM. Her explanation was that she could not reveal this till a ruling coalition was in place because Congressmen and allies alike, would stake their claims to the top job brushing aside Manmohan Singh’s weak political credentials.
(This story appears in the 11 September, 2009 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
Your son is always right you are really a hero
on Feb 2, 2012Awesome insight...I think she is an awesome leader and the fact that she did not stand for PM proves that she is not power hungry or an "empress" as some people might call her.
on Dec 11, 2009Sonia Gandhi gave hope to the "aam admi' that Congress is there to save and understand their plight.The social niceties, the mild manners, simplicity and being a woman - all added which describes her in a incomplete way. She never criticise any opposition leader in an unfair way which is a totally new to Indian politics. People found her a genuine person, to whom they can relate to...a very mature person. Many thought she would pick up a quarrel with Manamohan over any issue, but that never happened even once. She had enormous power but she never used it to further her command over government...all these qualities made her a super hero among Indian masses. The proof is her election rallies. I have not seen any other leader right from Indira Gandhi till today who could drive the people frenzy like Sonia does.
on Nov 28, 2009Indeed her purity of purpose is the source of her power
on Oct 4, 2009What is the greatness to which Soniaji could lay claim to? She is a ruthless person, capable of destroying her near kith and kin. Example, the way she goes after Maneka Gandhi and her son, Varun. So much has been written about her ways of amassing untold wealth at the cost of the poor people of India. If she can be credited with one good decision, it is that she was wise and clever enough to stay in India, after her husband" unfortunate assassination, as she knows pretty well that only in the gullible India, she can lead the life of an Empress.
on Sep 28, 2009Despite understanding the economic arguments against loan write-offs, she either overruled the PM/FM or they simply succumbed to her pressure. She has been responsible for the damage it has done to the Indian finances in the garb of helping poor Indian farmers. The author has not analytically examined this economic blunder of Sonia Gandhi.
on Sep 16, 2009No one can match the sature of SONIA GANDHI today and in future She is the true leader of the country and the other in the congress and outside should take a lesson from her about how to be a good politician and loveable mass leader. She has shown what is the power of Gandhi's to BJP and others. Today people who once embarassed her on foriegn origin like SHARAD PAWAR and MULAYAM YADAV are today begging for her kindness. She brought them on their feet. She is the real power Women just Like INDIRA JI.
on Sep 12, 2009Sonia is selfless leader. She is true Gandhi. Proud of to have with us. Saif Khan
on Sep 10, 2009Hi Vir, <br /> I am a very much a supporter of this government and really liked the way country is shaping up. Well, about the article, is it really a piece of research or a piece from a PR release ?.. It just sounds too idealistic and goody goody.. We all know its not so clear water in Indian politics. It would be great if we can have some REAL articles and not image building exercises for politicians.
on Sep 9, 2009