We were apprehensive about Sonia Gandhi, admits Pawar

New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Appreciating Ms Sonia Gandhi for her ''contributions'', Nationalist Congress Party chief and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today admitted that he had apprehensions about the Congress President's ability to lead the world's largest democracy, which prompted him to quit Congress and float a new party.

Talking to BBC Hindi's weekly chat show ''Ek Mulaqat'', the Maharashtra strongman heaped praise on Ms Gandhi for braving personal bereavement and standing firm.

''The way she braved personal losses, stayed on with her children when many said she would leave the country, and ultimately her association that her family has with Congress party, she stood firm with the party and agreed to lead and contribute. We will have to acknowledge her contributions,'' Mr Pawar said.

Back in 1999, Mr Pawar, dead against the idea of a foreigner in the Prime Minister's post, had quit Congress to float NCP.

Explaining the reasons behind severing ties with Congress, Mr Pawar said, ''To lead a big country as ours, to understand the nuances, culture, to study the history - we were apprehensive that she might not be able to lead and we said so and paid for it by moving out.

''But these days, I find Soniaji tried to understand the country's problems, states' problems and she is working hard. And this is making an impression on her party as well,'' he added.

Talking about the politicians he admires, Mr Pawar said, ''In Maharashtra state politics, I was impressed by YB Chavan and in national politics, by Jawaharlal nehru. They contributed to develo the nation's democratic fabric. And they had a vision. (And) after them Indira Gandhi, her dressing and contacvt with the masses always impressed me.'' UNI AY AT KN1920