Apt at reading the signs, a minister in Manmohan Singh’s government approached Sonia Gandhi with the hope and expectation that the time had come to launch Priyanka Gandhi in active politics. That is because Rahul was unable to control the rising tide of support in favour of Modi. Although Sonia is not used to listening to such suggestions from the party members, she understood the gravity of the situation and exercised patience. Gently, she told the Congress minister that bringing Priyanka into active politics at this time would mean also opening the doors of politics wide for Robert. She said she will take a decision only when Priyanka’s decisions don’t make a difference to Robert. Listening to the straight talk, the minister came back with his hopes dashed.