INDIA: PROFILE OF SONIA GANDHI

Описание: (17 Apr 1999) Eng/Hindi/Nat

The collapse of the Indian government has thrown the main opposition leader, Sonia Gandhi, into the spotlight.

She's leader of the Congress Party which has said that it will now try to form a minority government without the need for elections.

Sonia Gandhi was born in Italy but was married to the former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991.

She has never held any public office, and has only been leader of the Congress Party for a few months.

But if Congress forms a government, she could become a candidate for the Prime Minister's post.

The two most powerful women in Indian politics have now joined forces.

Jayalalitha, the southern leader who deserted the government and brought it down has held talks with the leader of the opposition Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi.

India has been waiting for the day when Sonia Gandhi would come into the limelight as a potential leader.

Her party says it will try to form a minority government to avoid fresh elections.

The Indian press is speculating that at this meeting of the two women it was agreed that Sonia's name would be put forward as Prime Minister.

Sonia Gandhi never intended to go into politics.

Born in Italy, as Sonia Maino, she met Rajiv Gandhi at Cambridge University in Britain in 1965. Their first meeting was in a Greek restaurant, and they married in 1968.

Rajiv at the time was following his dream of being an airline pilot.

But his mother, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated in 1984 and he was catapulted into politics.

A charismatic leader he led the country.

Sonia did appear on the political scene at Rajiv's side but did not like the limelight.

She has a well-known aversion to politics -- a biographer says she once told a friend she would rather have her children beg in the streets than have her husband become prime minister.

Seven years later, Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a suicide bomber while on the campaign trail in southern India.

A political dynasty was halted. Rajiv left behind him his wife and two children, Priyanka and Rahul.

Sonia instantly became a focus for the bereaved Congress Party and played an important role behind the scenes.

But her public face was limited to high-profile meetings with world leaders to publicise the Rajiv Gandhi foundation -- a tribute to her husband.

Then in 1998, she decided to become involved in politics publicly and came out to campaign for the Congress Party.

Her first rally was at the place in the south of India where her husband Rajiv Gandhi
was assassinated.

Congress was losing popularity and needed a boost.

She outlined then what she said should be the priority for the party -- taking India away from coalition politics.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I am convinced that under the right and able leadership it is the only party which has the experience and capability to give India what it needs most at this time -- a stable government which will work without fear or favour for the benefit of all Indians."
SUPERCAPTION: Sonia Gandhi

Later that year she was appointed head of the party.

She has never been a member of parliament, but Congress is hoping the dynastic appeal of another Gandhi in power will woo the voters.

As party president, Sonia Gandhi could become prime minister.

There is no clause in the Indian constitution that bars foreigners from holding the top job.

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