Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Catholic leaders are speaking out on the heroism of Sonia Gandhi's surprise decision to refuse the Prime Minister position, declaring her move not to accept the glory as a "very Christian" decision, as the trappings of power did not attract her. "Instead, her spirit of service was displayed with clarity through her renunciation." Abbot Rocky D'Souza O. Praem, of Saint Norbert's Abbey, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Central India, declared in an exclusive interview with AsiaNews. "Given the diversity of Indian ethos, her decision to step aside from the limelight is a wise one." D'Souza heralded her timing to wait til the eleventh hour to announce it, so as not to dishearten the party workers beforehand. Now, D'Souza thinks, as President of the Congress Party, Gandhi will yield much more power, being respected even by her most vehement political opponents

Editor of the Mumbai Archdiocesan Newsweekly 'The Examiner', Father Anthony Charangat, stopped his press to recall his editorial about to be published on Sonia Gandhi as Prime Minister. The 'Sacrifice of the Lady' will be the new theme of his updated article, lauding Sonia's disinterest in power and prestige, which caused her as the Italian-born leader of the victorious Congress Party to refuse the Prime Minister position. A keen political analyst, the editor priest has followed Sonia's career, as she almost single-handedly led the Congress party's campaign, addressing 54 rallies and holding road-shows across the country addressing issues of fundamentalism, drought and unemployment.  "She shrewdly forged pre-poll alliances, evidence of her astute leadership.  Even her allies acknowledged her greatness and the magnitude of her service," Fr. Charangat commented. "Yet Sonia is fully aware that extremism and intolerance in the country could result in violence and death. She did not wish to repeat history and wanted to avoid another tragedy in the family," he said.

Sonia Gandhi's supporters have reacted dramatically to her decision to refuse as Prime Minister, which was made, she said, by "following her inner voice", and was a decision that she "will not revert." Protesting this move, followers gathered outside her residence, chanting and holding signs. One Congress party worker wrote a request that she reconsider, using his own blood for ink. Another waved a gun, threatening suicide because of Gandhi's decision. He was removed by police.

 The Congress' new choice for Prime Minister is 71-year-old Manmohan Singh, a political veteran and economic reformer who had massive success in the early 1990's as the former financial minister, saving the country from near economic collapse. Many believe Singh will be an excellent choice to balance demands between the communists and reform policies that benefit businesses. (NC)