Ratan:
As reported in New York Times. Bolded words are mine.
Family Feud
Headlines
Sonia won the heart, the mind and the palate of Indira -PASTA POWER
Maneka says Sonia's attic - upstairs - is empty
Crowd pleaser Priyanka, The future PM in the making
A traditional Indian mother-in-law, she expected deference from her
sons' wives. Sonia, raised in a conservative Roman Catholic family near
Turin, was appropriately dutiful, building a life around her husband and
two children. She would often cook her mother-in-law a soothing plate
of pasta after a hectic day.
Maneka says Sonia's attic - upstairs - is empty
Sonia, now 52, may have been a rival for her mother-in-law's affection,
but Maneka, 43, never considered her an equal as a thinker. "Take it
from me, there's nothing upstairs except cooking," she said, breaking into
a naughty giggle.
Crowd pleaser Priyanka, The future PM in the making
"It's amazing -- or appalling -- how so many around here believe
Priyanka can revive the party," said one Congress official, speaking on
the condition of anonymity. "It's clear that we're a family concern, and the
leadership will pass from Sonia to Priyanka, and she will be more
acceptable to the Indian public because she is more Indian."
All three members of the dynasty's younger generation have been out on
the hustings: Priyanka, her brother Rahul, 29, a securities broker who
lives in London, and Feroze Varun, a 19-year-old student who is
Maneka's son.
None of these up-and-coming Gandhis have declared an interest in
public office. In fact Priyanka, a former kindergarten teacher married to a
jewelry exporter, said she was decidedly cynical about politics.
Restraint is one of Priyanka's traits. In an interview, she would not
excoriate Maneka, saying people were entitled to their opinions, no
matter how unflattering, and that "my aunt ceased to be my aunt in 1981."
"She obviously has a lot of anger inside her," Priyanka added.
"Priyanka, that's another one!" Maneka said acidly. "Here's someone
who has made no particular contribution to anything." |
