Light, camera, Sonia

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said here today that coalitions politics ‘‘will not last forever’’ and the Indian polity would ‘‘revert to the major political parties’’. After addressing the India Today conclave, the Congress chief was asked whether coalitions were the only way out in the present political situation. In reply, she said: ‘‘We are going through a phase of coalitions and it is likely to last sometime. I am not convinced that it will last forever.’’ ‘‘It will take some time for the polity to revert to the major political parties,’’ she added.

Asked to comment on the Government’s peace initiative with Pakistan, Sonia said, ‘‘Congress has always supported the initiative, even when the PM was reluctant to restart the dialogue. We are happy he has finally listened to us…If Congress comes to power, this peace initiative will be carried forward.’’

To another question on what would be the three decisions she would take if she becomes the PM, she said: ‘‘If Congress comes to power, we will enforce the rule of law against those who disturb social harmony, increase investment in agriculture and promote the growth of productive jobs’’. She added the details of the schemes would be included in the party manifesto.

Referring to the Congress’ plank of the battle of ideologies, she said there was a ‘‘clash of competing visions’’ and asked: ‘‘Will it be a nationalism that is aggressive or will it be a nationalism that is accomodative?’’ ‘‘Individuals may put on a veneer of moderation and give us a feeling the clash is exaggerated. But ultimately ideologies and institutions behind individuals are what matter more.’’