London: British press today (May 20, 2004) lambasted BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and Hindu extremists for their actions since their defeat in general elections but praised Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her choice for Prime Minister's post Manmohan Singh.

In a leading article titled 'Bigotry and the BJP', 'The Daily Telegraph' said that during the campaign, the BJP "badly misjudged the mood of the nation, with its vacuous 'India Shining' slogan. In defeat, it has added insult to injury."

Elections 2004-Where is India heading...

On the other hand, 'The Guardian' said, "She (Sonia Gandhi) may be Italian by birth but for them (Indians) she is Mother India.

"Mrs Gandhi is being lauded for an act of renunciation said to be in the true Indian tradition - even if it cannot quite compare with Buddha's resolve to withdraw from the world to seek enlightenment."

Referring to the week-long political drama which culminated in Sonia Gandhi nominating Manmohan Singh as the next Prime Minister, 'The Daily Telegraph' said, "In Manmohan Singh, the country has an experienced technocrat who, under a previous Congress Government, set about dismantling the 'Licence Raj' of economic restrictions in 1991."

"As a political manager faced with holding Congress and the wider coalition together, he inspires less confidence. But Mrs Gandhi, who remains president of the party and whose authority has been greatly enhanced by electoral success, can be expected to take on that role."

"Mrs Gandhi's reasons for declining the highest office deserve respect. But we sympathise with those who voted for continuation of the family dynasty and must now feel they were sold a false prospectus," the daily said.