Sonia refuses to join row

Even though Jayalalithaa’s comments on Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin have ruffled quite a few feathers, the Congress president has decided to stay calm. ‘‘I don’t think I have any comments to make,’’ said Sonia today when asked about her reaction to what parties like the NCP and the NDA are talking.

The Congress president was attending a function held here to mark the eighth anniversary of the Rajiv Gandhi Watershed Management Mission in Madhya Pradesh.

Though some political observers say the Congress chief is only biding her time, many others feel the absence of a clear-cut gameplan on how exactly to tackle the increasing onslaught may be a reason. With the NCP joining the fray and more parties likely to do so in the near future, the Congress may be waiting for the right time and opportunity to strike.