INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS LEADERS

Indian Congress Leader Ship

MANMOHAN SINGH

Prime minister since Congress's election victory in 2004. Despite recent ill health - he took weeks off work after his third round of heart surgery this year - Congress have continued to back him as their candidate.
Mild-mannered former academic and bureaucrat, 78, who made his political reputation as the architect of India's financial reforms in the 1990s. Criticised by some for his gentle, conciliatory leadership style. Pushed through landmark nuclear deal with US, though lost support of Communist allies in process. Has never won a popular election, but enjoys widespread support because of reputation as one of India's cleanest politicians.

SONIA GANDHI

Italian-born president of Congress party. Widow of murdered former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and current leader of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Eschewed politics after Rajiv's 1991 killing before stepping up to lead the party in 1998. Elected to parliament the following year.
Turned down post of prime minister after leading Congress to a surprise election victory in 2004. Seen as de facto ruler whose influence over the party has never been in doubt. Critics have questioned her political management skills and ability to manage crises within the Congress-led coalition. Opponents' attempts to focus on her foreign origin seen to have failed

RAHUL GHANDHI

Son of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi and general secretary of Congress. Seen as being groomed to take over from Manmohan Singh at the head of a Congress-led coalition. Member of parliament for the family constituency of Amethi since 2004.
Initially refused to take up a leading position in Congress, but now seen to play an increasingly prominent role. Party looking to him to revive its hopes by attracting new generation of voters. Good looking and charming, he is said by some analysts to have a good political knowledge but has yet to prove himself in the tough world of Indian politics.