Monitor

All the News of the World Indian comment following Sonia Gandhi's resignation as the Congress Party president

IT WOULD be churlish to argue whether Sonia Gandhi's resignation is a consequence of the pain she felt over the controversy surrounding her foreign origins or as part of an extremely well-thought out political strategy. What is certain is that she has managed to deflate her detractors within the party and assume the high moral ground. Within the course of a day, the focus has shifted from the unseasonal outburst of her detractors to questions about her political future and that of her party. The coming days are bound to witness a collective effort on the part of congressmen to persuade Mrs Gandhi to reconsider her decision.

Times of India

THEATRICS ARE an integral part of election-mode India, but the Congress spin doctors orchestrating the current flurry of resignations have laid it on a bit too thick. But while it keeps the country riveted, this sycophantic burst of emotion cannot be a substitute for gritty clarifications about Congress's prime-ministerial aspirant. For better or for worse, Sonia Gandhi's foreign birth is part of public debate; the party would do well to address it soberly. Excitable audiences don't always translate into votes.

India Express

SONIA GANDHI would go up in our esteem if she made a gesture of self- abnegation and announced that while she would continue to lead Congress, it would not be proper to aspire to be Prime Minister. Were she to propose an amendment of the constitution laying down that only Indian citizens by birth can hold the offices of the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister, she will be the toast of India.

The Hindu

GOING BY the mood of the party, Congressmen look up to Sonia Gandhi to show determination rather than let herself be cowed down by a handful of congressmen. A tactical retreat is OK, but a withdrawal from challenges ahead isn't desirable. In any organisation, there will be problems. The test lies in tackling them. Indiscreet and inept handling of men and matters can complicate even simple issues.

The Tribune