NEW DELHI: The Congress MPs are closely watching Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s next move to make up their mind whether she is interested in active politics or not. Her veiled criticism of the Government in Amethi for the tardy progress in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case is not being seen as a signal of her active involvement in politics.

Prime Minister P.V.Narasimha Rao, party sources feel, would not face any problem unless she decides to plunge into politics herself. Her statement is sought to be interpreted even by the Rajiv loyalists as an emotional out- burst, notwithstanding the fact that she had read out from a written text. Even the Congress (I), which has got a fresh leash of life as Mrs. Gandhi’s remarks vindicate the stand of Congress (I) working president Arjun Singh, appear to be in a mood to wait for her next step. They do not seem to be in favor of going beyond a point and politicizing the whole issue as they too are not sure of Mrs. Gandhi’s mind.

Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao may react to her statement when he addresses the customary meeting of the Congress Party in Parliament.

A group of young MPs who were planning that they would meet her to express their solidarity, is reported to have abandoned the idea as they feel that such a move could be misinterpreted. If they failed to muster enough strength to match their earlier show in May last when they had impressed upon her to intervene and avert a split in the party, an impression may gain ground that she was losing support among the party MPs. Besides, they are not sure of her moves.

Considering that Rao is said to have expressed displeasure at the activities of some of the MPs at that time, the young MPs appear to be in a dilemma whether they should take the step or not. The speculation that Rao may go for an expansion of the Council of Ministers after the session, also appears to have become a factor in holding some of the MPs back from joining the fray.

No MP would be quoted on the subject.

Article extracted from this publication >> September 1, 1995