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This is an archive article published on May 19, 2004

Cong sees silver lining in the cloud

Long before campaign began, Sonia told The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta on NDTV’s Walk the Talk that becoming PM was no...

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Long before campaign began, Sonia told The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta on NDTV’s Walk the Talk that becoming PM was not her priority, defeating the NDA was. A signal that decision wasn’t made overnight:

• Undermines the BJP-RSS campaign.

• If Manmohan made PM—apolitical and loyal—ensures no dual centre of power.

• Party organisation, not PMO or government, becomes repository of power.

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• Congress for the first time emulates BJP (which has the RSS organisation) and CPM (where party is always superior to legislature)

• With only 145 seats, Sonia can now concentrate on reviving the Congress—through road shows, grassroots’ workers meetings.

• Stature enhanced, neutralises “middle class” hostility on foreign origin issue

• Manmohan as PM counters anti-Cong feelings among Sikh community; brings cheer to markets; establishes “clean image” for new government.

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