ID :
153825
Sat, 12/18/2010 - 08:49
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/153825
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`Sonia to pen book on turning down PM-ship`
Prasun Sonwalkar
London, Dec 17 (PTI) Congress President Sonia Gandhi has
promised to write a book detailing the tense moments in 2004
when she stepped aside in favour of Manmohan Singh for the
prime ministership after the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
emereged victorious in general elections in India .
Stating that she is often asked why she turned down
the top job, Gandhi told a visiting US dignitary in New Delhi
in 2006 that "I am often asked about this, but tell people
that I will write a book someday with the whole story,"
according to a secret US cable releasd by WikiLeaks.
The 2006 cable details Gandhi's meeting with Maria
Shriver, the First Lady of California and wife of Governor
Arnold Shwarznegger. It is is titled 'A Garrulous Sonia Gandhi
Opens Up to Maria Shriver'.
Reporting the meeting, the cable says about Gandhi:
"She would only say that she 'felt better' that someone else
became PM and 'did not regret' her decision."
"Shriver congratulated Mrs Gandhi for her resoluteness
and described her as 'courageous.'"
The cable adds: "She (Gandhi) elaborated, at Karan
Singh's insistence, saying that she was under lots of
pressure, as the 'party workers' were 'very upset.' They
'could not understand' why she, as party President, was not
taking up the post, since they had voted for her and won a
majority."
Describing what appeared to be a very cordial meeting,
the cable says Gandhi opened up and "revealed a rare glimpse
of herself.
"Usually withdrawn and reserved in public, she spoke
at great length and radiated confidence on women's issues and
some aspects of her private life".
It was the rise of the BJP and right-wing politics that
"compelled" her to enter politics, despite much reluctance,
according to the cable.
The cable says: "In a candid revelation of her
personal political stance, Mrs Gandhi stated that 'the right
(wing) was becoming strong in India and Congress weak,'
tipping her hand and 'compelling' her to enter politics to
protect the Gandhi family legacy.
"She also revealed that her children were 'not keen'
about the idea, but eventually told her, 'whatever you decide,
we will back you.'" (More) PTI
London, Dec 17 (PTI) Congress President Sonia Gandhi has
promised to write a book detailing the tense moments in 2004
when she stepped aside in favour of Manmohan Singh for the
prime ministership after the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
emereged victorious in general elections in India .
Stating that she is often asked why she turned down
the top job, Gandhi told a visiting US dignitary in New Delhi
in 2006 that "I am often asked about this, but tell people
that I will write a book someday with the whole story,"
according to a secret US cable releasd by WikiLeaks.
The 2006 cable details Gandhi's meeting with Maria
Shriver, the First Lady of California and wife of Governor
Arnold Shwarznegger. It is is titled 'A Garrulous Sonia Gandhi
Opens Up to Maria Shriver'.
Reporting the meeting, the cable says about Gandhi:
"She would only say that she 'felt better' that someone else
became PM and 'did not regret' her decision."
"Shriver congratulated Mrs Gandhi for her resoluteness
and described her as 'courageous.'"
The cable adds: "She (Gandhi) elaborated, at Karan
Singh's insistence, saying that she was under lots of
pressure, as the 'party workers' were 'very upset.' They
'could not understand' why she, as party President, was not
taking up the post, since they had voted for her and won a
majority."
Describing what appeared to be a very cordial meeting,
the cable says Gandhi opened up and "revealed a rare glimpse
of herself.
"Usually withdrawn and reserved in public, she spoke
at great length and radiated confidence on women's issues and
some aspects of her private life".
It was the rise of the BJP and right-wing politics that
"compelled" her to enter politics, despite much reluctance,
according to the cable.
The cable says: "In a candid revelation of her
personal political stance, Mrs Gandhi stated that 'the right
(wing) was becoming strong in India and Congress weak,'
tipping her hand and 'compelling' her to enter politics to
protect the Gandhi family legacy.
"She also revealed that her children were 'not keen'
about the idea, but eventually told her, 'whatever you decide,
we will back you.'" (More) PTI
