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Article: The Sonia phenomenon. (some Indians want Sonia Gandhi, Rajiv's widow to enter politics)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- August 17, 1991
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1991 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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DESPITE her formal refusal to become involved in politics, Rajiv Gandhi's widow, Sonia, is being seen by an increasing number of members of india's ruling Congress Party as the only person who can hold the party together. Party members have long acted as though they were feudal retainers serving the Gandhi family. They feel uncomfortable now that they have to serve P.V. Narasimha Rao, who had little political stature while Rajiv was alive.
Can Sonia Gandhi be persuaded to come to the aid of the party? As an Italian-born Christian, would she anyway be the right choice for such a role? Many Congress politicians believe she can do it. Dozens of them queue up at her ...