Sonia Gandhi, runs one of the largest political parties in the world’s largest democratic country as president of the Indian National Congress Party. Her party has governed India for the majority of the past 64 years since it first gained independence from Britain.
The Italian-born Mrs. Gandhi, whose Nehru-Gandhi dynasty politician husband and mother-in-law were assassinated, is considered the most powerful politician in India, even though she holds no official government post. Gandhi turned down the opportunity to serve as prime minister in 2004 to everyone’s surprise, and again in 2009, nominating party member Manmohan Singh instead. She is frequently portrayed as a force behind Prime Minister Singh’s policies, including a $2 billion food-for-work program, often described as India’s version of the New Deal.
In 2011, Gandhi faced a difficult year as her party and numerous other politicians were marred by corruption scandals including bribery and offering cash for votes in Parliament.
AP
