K. Manjulamma

Sonia Gandhi Factor in Indian Politics: a Study K. Manjulamma

In the contemporary Indian political scenario, Sonia Gandhi is regarded as a force to reckon with. She has been adjudged as one of the most powerful women in the world, too. The United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre and the various State Governments run by the Congress Party function at her beck and call. It is believed that she runs the affairs of the Congress Party as its Chief Executive Officer, which feat even her illustrious mother-in-law, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, could not perform. In short, it is no exaggeration to say that the present Central Government, the various congress-ruled state governments and the entire rank and file of Congress Party move and revolve around Sonia Gandhi. Often her authority has been challenged by her own party men and also the stake holders of the UPA Government. But surprisingly she was able to overcome such hiccups and after every crisis she only emerged more and more powerful. Usually in politics one observes that portfolios or highest political offices make people strong and formidable. But, in case of Sonia Gandhi, rejection of Prime Minister?s post-not once but twice ? made her more powerful and also popular.