Last week Sonia Gandhirealised her dream. She became the new leader of India. She is very democratic. Shelistens to everyone. A year ago the Congress was a mess. Congressmen said to her:"Soniaji, the nation is sick of coalitions. It wants single party rule. You must takeover the party from Sitaram Kesri to revive the Congress!"
Sonia Gandhi listened tothem. She became Congress president. She said: "We won't topple the government.We will behave like a responsible opposition. We will rebuild the Congress. We will go italone in the next polls!"
The strategy worked. The BJP was trounced by the Congressin three state assembly elections. Then Congressmen said: "Son-iaji, there is a wavein our favour. The Congress will sweep a mid-term poll! If we wait, the BJP might regainground." Sonia Gandhi listened to them. Then she said: "We won't topple thegovernment. But if it falls by itself we won't shirk our responsibility. We willsupport an alternative government from outside."
Meanwhile Dalits were being killedin Bihar. The Centre wanted to sack Rabri Devi's government. Sonia said: "RabriDevi has lost the moral right to rule!"
But Congressmen advised Sonia: "Soniaji,if we sack Rabri we will strengthen BJP! We'll lose Laloo's support!" SoniaGandhi listened to them. Then she said: "Rabri's government must not bedismissed!"
Congressmen became impatient for power.They said: "Soniaji, the government won't collapse unless you give a lead. Onlyyou could be a prime minister acceptable to everyone." Sonia Gandhi listened to them.Then she said: "The Congress is willing to form an alternative government if the BJPgovernment falls. The Congress will form a minority government with outside support."
Congressmen continued to worry. Jayalalitha was ready to withdraw support from the BJP.But would other parties vote out the government if they could not later share power?Congressmen approached Sonia and said: "Soniaji, without a coalition a Congressgovernment isn't feasible!"
Sonia Gandhi listened. Then she said: "Allright. Let us have a Congress coalition with other parties sharing power."
That ishow Sonia Gandhi became the nation's leader. Now she must lead Laloo, Mulayam,Jayalalitha, Mayawati, Deve Gowda and others. She will listen to all of them.
But will they listen to her?
As you saw,
My word is law—
But is it strange
For laws to change?
