Italian-born Sonia Gandhi, widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv, will be the new Prime Minister of India according to all press reports:
“Ours is a coalition led by the Congress and every Congressman would like to see Sonia Gandhi as Prime Minister. Sonia Gandhi herself had said the people of the country will decide who will be the next PM and the results are obvious,” senior leader Ambika Soni said emphatically.
Leaders like Salman Khursheed and Mohsina Kidwai too pointed out that the mandate was clear — that “Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin is not an issue” — and traditionally the leader of the single largest party is the PM in a coalition government. Of course officially, it will only be decided after consultations with the allies.
The party leaders are also clear that Sonia alone deserves the credit for the Congress’ stunning performance. Also, of course, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi who “inspired the younger voter”, said Soni.
All the pundits and pollsters were wrong in their predictions that the pro-business BJP would retain control of the government, and Indians are reeling.