I didn’t want Rajiv to be a politician: Sonia

DELHI: Sonia Gandhi is famous for her stiff upper lip. So when she decides to be eloquent, all ears are tuned to her frequency. The Congress president was in a rare forthcoming mood at a summit organised by a media house in Delhi. She answered a wide range of questions. DNA provides you a glimpse:

On reported tension between her and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Those who have doubts about the Prime Minister and I working together obviously do not know either the Prime Minister or me. Both of us have worked closely together for a long time and have an excellent working rapport. If he feels he has to bring something to my notice, he does it in all frankness and the same applies to me too.

On whether there were second thoughts on proposing Singh as PM
There was never a doubt. No, never, absolutely not.

Role of Congress President in the UPA coalition
As Chairperson of UPA, I interact with leaders of the coalition parties and the Left. I head meetings of concerned Coordination Committees. My involvement in government policies is not much because the manifesto and the Common Minimum Programme are followed by the government. At times, when my views are not quite matching with that of the government, I discuss with the Prime Minister.

On grading the performance of the government
I am absolutely satisfied with the working of the UPA government. I applaud the prime minister for the manner in which he has run the government and the coalition… the government has done a great deal of work... (but) one is never satisfied. More could be done but we are working in a coalition.

On whether she was embarrassed by the economic success
I am not embarrassed. In fact, I am proud of it ... But we cannot brag about our economic growth. We cannot forget that there are still areas where people live in extreme poverty.

On BJP’s 'India Shining' campaign
It was a surreal campaign. It did not exist. ... It existed only for a small group of people which did not make a difference to the rest of the country.
    
On Indian politicians
I think there is a great deal of cynicism in certain sections of society about politicians. I think it is a bit unfair. There are also very serious and committed politicians. Manmohan Singh is one. There are many across party lines.
    
Rajiv Gandhi and politics
My mother-in-law (Indira Gandhi) was Prime Minister for 16 years. We had seen very worse kind of politics. There were attempts on her life. Finally, she was killed. ... My experience with politics was not a happy one. I felt I would lose him.

Also read: Confrontation is not coalition dharma: Sonia Gandhi

On disdain for politics
Since I had seen the worst of politics, I did have some reservations. My husband was assassinated. It was a trauma. But certain forces were gaining ground, my mother-in- law lived and died fighting against it. I could no longer just sit and watch these things happen.

Politics in retrospect
It has not been as bad as I had thought. ... You make a difference for the better.

Regrets till now
We have not been able to persuade all of them (coalition partners) for 33 per cent reservation for women ... I have not lost hope.

On the need for close advisers like R K Dhawan or Brajesh Mishra
I do consult my colleagues, CWC members and some senior and younger colleagues. It depends upon situation and issues. ...There is no single individual like that.

On the controversy over Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil
The opposition was going all out to block us ... I was not going to give it up, come what may.... The Prime Minister was always on board with me on this.

On those attacking her on the nuclear deal with the US
We are working in a coalition. If I want to say about something that I don't agree with them, the last thing I would do is to go out and shout and scream and say I don't approve of it. I don't agree. I would call that person and tell him directly that I don't agree with you.

On early elections
No, we are not in favour of early elections. As the Prime Minister has said the deadline is 2009. We are going to do all that we can to see that we implement our programmes till 2009.