CONGRESS: PARIVAR
All the Madam's MenSonia runs the party with the aid of an elaborate
committee structure ensuring optimum participation. New faces have been inducted without
the old being turfed out.
LEADER
Sonia Gandhi
After her resignation and reacceptance of the presidency, Sonia has become the undisputed
leader of the Congress. She will have her way in nominations without ruffling the feathers
of the state bosses. She will set the tone for the campaign and will be the party's
foremost campaigner while contesting a Lok Sabha seat. Her face will dominate the Congress
posters in what is billed as a two-horse race.
STRATEGISTS
Pranab Mukherjee
With his formidable grasp of detail, he is the party's one-man institutional memory bank.
He lacks a popular base but compensates this shortcoming with his skills in drafting and
fund collection.
Ahmed Patel
A silent behind-the-scenes organisational man, he can be counted on the settle local
disputes and keep state units in battle-readiness. As treasurer, his role is crucial
during elections.
Arjun Singh
The main political brain of the Congress, his position took a battering after the
government formation fiasco. Now out of the election race, he remains the Congress' link
to the Left and minorities. An important influence on Sonia.
THINK TANK
Manmohan Singh
The acceptable face to the middle class and industry, he confines himself largely to
cerebral tasks.
K. Natvar Singh
A Sonia confident, he shapes the Congress foreign policy. A permanent presence
for visiting dignitaries.
R. D. Pradhan
The principal secretary in waiting, he provides free-wheeling advice on
governance.
ORGANISATION
Oscar Fernandes
The nuts-and-bolts man at party headquarters.
A.K. Antony
Mr Clean wheeled out for inconvenient occasions.
Ghulam Nabi Azad
A dogged survivor, he is the link with old Rajiv loyalists.
Madhavrao Scindia
Urban face of the party whose stock is currently high.
V. Narayanswami
A key figure in the coordination between party wings.
WORDSMITHS
Janardhan Dwivedi
Translates Sonia's thoughts into eloquent Hindi prose.
Mani Shankar Aiyar
Conjures anti-BJP one-liners but kept out of public view.
Jairam Ramesh
Another one-liner-a-day wizard with grasp of economics.
GATEKEEPER
Vincent George
His office is the nearest most Congressmen get to 10 Janpath. His words are treated as
Madam's command and consequently his authority in the party is formidable and unrivalled.
MONEY
Murli Deora
The resourceful former MP from south Mumbai is a formidable fund raiser for the party and
various Gandhi family foundations. In addition, he has influential links in US and Europe.
His PR and media links are a great asset to the party. A committed Gandhi family loyalist.
TALKING HEADS
Rajesh Pilot
Combines erudition with a clean image and an electoral base.
Kapil Sibal
Brings his legal skills into drafting, media influencing and TV talk shows.
Ajit Jogi
With his permanent smile, he projects the party's endearing bilingual face.
SOUNDING BOARD
Ashok Ganguly
Former head of Hindustan Lever, he advises Sonia and is the link to Jyoti Basu.
Y.K. Alagh
A former JNU vice-chancellor and UF minister whose advise is valued by Sonia.
H.Y. Sharda Prasad
Consulted by Sonia on all matter pertaining to the family. The only remaining link to
Indira.
J.N. Dixit
An alternative foreign policy voice whom Sonia values for services to Rajiv's government. |
