蜜芽传媒

Alan Johnston introduces a special essay by Mark Tully, examining Sonia Gandhi's unique position within Indian politics.

Despite several apparent disadvantages - most notably being a foreigner, staying out of the limelight, and not having any defined constitutional authority - nobody doubts that she is one of the most powerful people on the subcontinent.

As President of the Congress party, the decisions she takes and the philosophy she chooses shape the lives of millions.

Her recent medical problems - involving a sudden trip to America for an operation - have heightened awareness in India of just how important she is.

And Mark Tully says that, inevitably, there's now renewed interest in what will happen when she eventually steps away from political life.