Presidential poll brings Sonia back to political centrestage

The forthcoming Presidential election has brought Sonia Gandhi back into the thick of political activities, with the 70-year-old Congress chief holding discussions with other parties to field a single candidate.

In recent times, Sonia has been gradually receding to the backstage, handing over the reigns of the leadership to her son and party vice president  Rahul Gandhi.

Last week, Sonia met Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, besides speaking to NCP chief Sharad Pawar to discuss the Presidential election. She will soon meet CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy, DMK working president M K Stalin and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Opposition leaders are reportedly considering the names of JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and Pawar as their candidates for the Presidential election scheduled in July. Vice president Hamid Ansari had also been discussed as a possible nominee, but it is learnt that he is not keen to fight the election. Sonia’s return has raised questions over Rahul’s elevation as Congress president later this year.

“A section of the party leadership still feels that Sonia should continue. Things would become clear with time,” a senior Congress leader said.

Since her freak accident at a road show in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi constituency last year, Sonia delegated the party responsibilities to Rahul.