Rae Bareilly: Congress president Sonia Gandhi today (Apr 6, 2004) filed her nomination papers from Rae Bareilly Lok Sabha constituency and was in a combative mood, hitting back at those attacking her, claiming "it would be to her advantage".

Unlike the drama and the festive air that surrounded her son Rahul Gandhi's filing of nomination papers in neighbouring Amethi yesterday, today it was a business-like affair.

Sonia, who was by Rahul Gandhi's side in Sultanpur yesterday, drove down from the guesthouse she was staying in Rae Bareilly to the Congress party office in the town, where a yagna was performed by an old Congressman.

After spending 25 minutes with her family members, she went to the collectorate to file her nomination from the seat, which had elected the late Indira Gandhi in the past.

Gandhi, who represented Amethi in the dissolved Lok Sabha, was accompanied by her children Rahul and Priyanka, son-in-law Robert Vadra, besides several Congress leaders when she filed her papers.

"Bolne dijiye...(let then say). The more they attack us and use unparliamentary language, the more we would stand to benefit," she said in an informal chat with reporters after filing her nomination.

About the BJP's 'India Shining' campaign, she said though she has been touring the whole country, she has found no evidence of it yet.

"I have been travelling since January and have no evidence of India shining," she said.

On whether Muslims will support Congress in the coming Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi said, "How can we say that at this moment? We will find this out on May 10."

Commenting on her feelings on son Rahul contesting from Amethi, she said, "We will work together. I am happy that he is working for Amethi."

When quizzed on whether he would have liked to see the whole Gandhi clan (Varun Gandhi) together, Rahul Gandhi said, "Everybody should do what he feels is right. I wish him all the best."