New Delhi: Rejecting opposition to her becoming the Prime Minister, veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) leader Jyoti Basu today (May 15, 2004) said Sonia Gandhi cannot build a "Roman empire" here.

He also made it clear that his party would decide on the issue of joining a coalition Government.

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"As far as I am concerned, I have no objection to Gandhi becoming the Prime Minister. She cannot build a Roman empire. She is an Indian citizen," Basu told reporters before leaving for the ongoing CPM politburo meeting.

Observing that Gandhi had invited his party to join the coalition Government during their 20-minute one-to-one meeting earlier in the day, Basu said he told her that "the party will decide" on the issue. "She came to see me. She wants us to join the Government."

Replying to questions, he said there were other parties also and they would get together and decide on Government formation.

Asked about some people having objection to Gandhi's foreign origin, the Marxist veteran shot back saying, "How can they object? Under what section of the Constitution can they object?

"She is an Indian citizen, married to an Indian. She is leader of a major political party. It was for the Congress party to put forward who will be their leader."