May 3, 1999

By Dilip Bobb

It's come down to being Sonia and not so far. If the President so decrees -- the President of the country, that is, not the Congress president -- India will be abandoning all pasta traditions. However, judging by the Mayawatis, apart from other So and Soz, Indian politics is starting to become as unpredictable as the performance of the Indian cricket team. Whatever the outcome, all roads will lead to Rome, in a manner of speaking. After being authorised by the party, Sonia agreed to be interviewed by a very private television channel. Excerpts.

VPTC: What made you decide to give this interview?

Sonia: It was getting uncomfortable speaking to the press from the back seat of an Ambassador car. Under the circumstances, I can't afford to do any more back-seat driving. The wheel has come full circle. As authorised by the party, of course.

VPTC: So what was the hurry to bring down the government? Were you getting nervous that it was gaining in popularity?

Sonia: Not Atal. It was because of Jaya that they had to gaya. I was only authorised by the party to decide on whatever I wanted to do much later. Before that, I was only authorised.

VPTC: Not that anyone can spot the difference. However, you have contributed to the current instability. Nobody knows who is supporting whom. It's like everybody has a mobile, and with roaming facility.

Sonia: We have a saying in Italian. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. They change their governments as often as Mayawati changes her stand. It makes me feel right at home.

VPTC: Talking of home, does the prospect of moving back to Race Course Road move you? Emotionally, we mean.

Sonia: The party has to authorise me first, only then can I make any moves. So, let's not jump the gun.

VPTC: Talking about guns, what will happen to the Bofors issue now? Will it now go underground?

Sonia: The BJP promised to get to the bottom of it. But they were never on top of things. However, I will demand a special JPC. This country will not be dictated to by foreigners.

VPTC: Talking about foreigners ...

Sonia: Just because of the Congress symbol and my background, it doesn't mean that I have become the famous Foreign Hand. As the World Cup advertisement says, "I am an Indian," even though my accent may sound a bit strange to some people, some of the time. But that's the beauty of Indian democracy.

VPTC: Talking about democracy. What is the procedure for the Congress party deciding whether to go it alone or become part of a larger coalition?

Sonia: It's simple. I call a meeting of the Congress Working Committee. I say a few words. They nod vigorously. I then ask them how it was done in Mrs Gandhi's time. They clap vigorously. That's when they authorise me to do what I want. After all, it's a party with a glorious history.

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