Maintaining that he has no plans to join politics "for the moment",Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra defines his role as someone who keeps "middlemen" away from the family and gives them "first-hand information" about what people want. On the possibility of wife Priyanka joining active politics,Vadra said she has a "lot of potential and has to serve the people of India" but it is up to her to decide what she wants and when. In an interview to The Sunday Express,Vadra said "people will speak" when it is time for Rahul Gandhi to take over the mantle of the Prime Minister. Asked when would be the right time,he said: "People will speak. There is no time which you can call correct. It will all evolve in a good way. Right time is when he wants to take it. I cannot decide for him. People will speak what role they want for him." Although Vadra did not completely rule out the possibility of joining politics in future,he said his "leaning" for the present is "towards business". "I do many businesses. I keep myself interested in many fields. Because of my wife's family,I happen to know,study,learn and discuss politics,just as in my family we talk about business morning,noon and night. When I do exhibitions,everybody is involved. The same way,in case of my wife's family,I take part in what they do." "There is a lot of interest in me because I am not easily available and do not talk to the media. People would like to know about me. While campaigning for Rahul and my mother-in-law,I meet young workers. They have a lot of respect for me and are very enthusiastic. I motivate them. When Priyanka and Rahul are not able to meet some people,I meet them one-on-one. I try to keep middlemen away from the family and give them first-hand information," he said. He rubbished suggestions about a difference of opinion on this issue within the family. "My role is undecided. If people see another person from the family amongst them,it gives them hope. But I don't think politics is my place for the moment. For the moment,it is business,which I have to sustain." Asked if Priyanka would consider joining active politics now that their children have grown up,Vadra said,"We are not making excuses like children or family. We all help each other in times of need. Priyanka has a lot of potential and has to serve the people of India. But it is entirely her decision as to what she wants to do and when. As of now,wherever there are gaps,loopholes,we would like to concentrate. We are working as per what is required. We want to hear and serve the people." To a query on criticism from some quarters about involving their children in an election campaign,he said,"Our objective is very clear that we would like them to see how the people we work for and work with live,how they work,not only in urban India but also in rural areas. How can there be politics in it? They are children. They go there just to see and learn things,also to see what we do and what their Mamu (uncle Rahul) and grandmother do." Vadra did not want to guess on how the Congress would fare in UP. "I hope for the best. We hear all kinds of figures. We have given it our best. After that whatever happens,we will be happy," he said,adding that people in UP are more aware now about issues like development. "Government has to do much more for infrastructure,logistical issues for people to feel safe. I see a change in people,before and now. Earlier,you could wave at them and get a response. Today,until you say something logical about their development,which has some meaning,you get no response." Vadra said Sonia Gandhi,who had undergone surgery last year,is "much better" now. "She is getting rest but few can keep her away from work. She is much better,stronger and healthier," he said.
