Sonia back in driver's seat

Sonia had to rush to the United States along with son Rahul Gandhi to attend to her ailing mother Paola Maino, who is understood to be undergoing a series of medical tests there.

Priyanka Vadra also reportedly accompanied her mother last month. Many eyebrows were raised  when Sonia was missing from  her seat in the Lok Sabha on July 28, despite a Congress whip to its MPs in both the Houses of Parliament to be present in case of a vote on price issue.

Though the Congress spokesman sought not to divulge the details, the reason was known later. The ailment of her mother was the reason for Gandhi not being able to keep her date with visiting UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Rahul was also to be part of the meeting with Cameron. Maino, in her 80s, stays in the family home in Turin, but keeps visiting 10, Janpanth.

Gandhi is usually seen listening to debates for long periods. Besides making occasional  smiles, she hardly makes any comments. Sonia, largely inscrutable, keeps herself updated on most of the issues being debated in the House.