The Hindu : Rahul not heir apparent: Sonia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 23, 2004

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Rahul not heir apparent: Sonia

By K.V. Prasad

NEW DELHI, MARCH 22. The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, today dismissed suggestions that fielding Rahul Gandhi from Amethi was an indication that he would be the "heir apparent"' and ruled out contesting from a second constituency other than Rae Bareli.

"There is no question ... Rahul Gandhi will contest the elections and if he wins he will look after the constituency as his mother did, nothing more," Ms. Gandhi said at the press conference after releasing the Congress manifesto here.

Ms. Gandhi reiterated that it was for her daughter, Priyanka Vadra, to decide whether she should enter active politics. "If and when Priyanka takes a decision, it would be disclosed," she said.

Referring to the political situation in Uttar Pradesh and her party's inability to have any major partner, she said the last word had not yet been said on alliances. She refuted the charge of Samajwadi Party leaders that the Congress was to blame for being left alone.

Ms. Gandhi said the comment was unfair since the Congress had given a call to all secular and democratic parties to join hands to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance. If the Congress could not arrive at any understanding in Uttar Pradesh, it was prepared to go it alone "without any fear." Ridiculing the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's remarks that he had decided to contest this time to prevent anarchy in the country, Ms. Gandhi said that it was "most insulting to the people of India." Perhaps, Mr. Vajpayee had expressed his apprehension in the context of his own party.

She asked why the BJP, which said that it could bring in legislation to prevent people of foreign origin from occupying top political posts, did not do so when it has been in power.

Asked who would be the Congress' prime ministerial candidate or who would lead the alliance, Ms. Gandhi said the issue would be decided by the party and the people.

On the possibility of a common minimum programme, she said the party would discuss it once such an issue arose. "We will certainly plan for it."

Ms. Gandhi said she was likely to campaign jointly with some of the leaders in Tamil Nadu. Her tour programme was being worked out and she would also share a platform with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief, M. Karunanidhi.

Responding to persistent queries on fewer women candidates figuring in the party's lists, she expressed concern over this. There were certain compulsions because of which it was not possible to field more women candidates, she added.

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