Urged by her “inner voice,” Sonia Gandhi, heir to India’s Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, stunned the nation by walking away from the premiership on May 18, reportedly to protect the new Congress-led coalition government from attacks over her Italian birth.

　　A week ago, the 57-year-old Italian-born widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi led India’s most famous family back into the spotlight, following the Congress party’s victory in general elections over the ruling Hindu nationalists.

　　But against a backdrop of protests from defeated opponents about her Italian origin, she has opted to stand aside.

　　Pranab Mukherjee, a Congress party leader, quoted Gandhi as saying “I cannot be the factor to divide the country. That is the reason why I am taking the decision.”

　　Apprehension in her family over her security could have also contributed to Gandhi’s shocking decision. Two of Sonia’s family members were assassinated in the past 20 years when serving as prime minister of the country—her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, in 1984 and her husband in 1991.

　　After Gandhi rejected appeals to take up the top post, Manmohan Singh, 71, known as the architect of India’s economic reform, emerged as her replacement to serve as the country’s 13th prime minister. The appointment has been considered a favorable choice for the coveted post, regarding the Sikh’s recognized competence to deal with economic challenges.

　　“Her mission was always to fight and bring the party back on its feet, bring the party to power, and then stop short.”

　　Rajiv Shukla

　　Political editor for the Observer

　　“Power and position has never been one of her aims. We have lost our father, we don’t want to lose our mother as well.”

　　Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra

　　Sonia Gandhi’s son and daughter

　　“One result of this election is not in doubt. The Gandhi dynasty is back. But it is the new generation that will form its political backbone.”

　　Jeremy Copeland

　　A reporter with CBC News

　　“My view was that her decision was not correct because people have given their mandate and you should respect it. I told her the allies would feel let down. Secondly, Congressmen would feel let down.”

　　Pranab Mukherjee

　　Senior member of the Congress Party

　　“His (Singh’s) economic vision and wisdom will be available to the government, but the fact that he has got the political support of Mrs Gandhi will enable him to do what he otherwise would not be able to do.”

　　B. G. Verghese

　　Professor with the Center for Policy Research in New Delhi