Key Indian leader returns to work after surgery

Summary of story from BBC News, September 16, 2011

Sonia Gandhi, the leader of India’s governing Congress party and India’s most powerful politician, has returned to work after having surgery abroad.

Ms Gandhi, 64, is seen as an important decision-maker but has no official post.

The government faced serious problems during her month-long absence, according to correspondents.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was sharply criticised for the way his government handled anti-corruption protests led by activist Anna Hazare in August.

Many commentators said that Ms Gandhi would have handled the situation better had she been in Delhi.

The widow of a former prime minister, Ms Gandhi nominated Singh to his post but is portrayed as being more powerful than him.

The party refuses to comment on the nature of Ms Gandhi’s illness or where she went for surgery.