Q. Why have you intensified your war against Sonia Gandhi at this point of time?
A. I don't have any enmity with Soniaji. But the eligibility of a foreigner for the post of prime minister is a serious issue and we are trying to address it.

Q. But the Congress is in power in 14 states?
A. The Congress succeeded not because of Sonia Gandhi but because of non-existence of other options in those states.

Q. Who are the Congress leaders better suited to become prime minister?
A. N.D. Tiwari, Dr Manmohan Singh ... A.K. Antony is also a good candidate with a clean image and then there is Digvijay Singh. There are a number of experienced and efficient leaders in the party.

Q. Are you trying to create friction in the Congress?
A. Not at all. The Congress has a big responsibility. Now, people are angry with the Vajpayee Government. The Congress could become the right option, but its leadership is a big obstacle. The moment the party changes leadership, people will go for it.

Q. Will you fight against Sonia on the nationality issue along with Jayalalithaa?
A. We will do whatever is possible on this matter.

Q. Will you join the Congress if Priyanka Gandhi replaces her mother in the party?
A. I will support the Congress. I am a born Congressman.

Q. You mean you will accept Priyanka as prime minister?
A. Anybody who is a born citizen of India is acceptable but that is not the only thing. A person should be experienced in politics to run the nation.

—Aaj Tak

TREMORS External Economy
	EXPORTS: With a 15 per cent rise in April-July 2002, the export scene has brightened after last year's slump.
	FOREX: Reserves piled up to reach $61 billion in August this year, an addition of $7 billion since 2001.
	IMPORTS: With a 0.22 per cent growth in April-July 2002, imports are going steady but are fuelled by petro products.
	FDI: In 2001-2, FIIs brought in $1,000.3 million but there has been an outflow of $711.4 million this year.