New Delhi: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Convenor and former Defence Minister George Fernandes today (Jun 3, 2004) suggested "fear" of being unable to deliver extempore speeches before the nation may have prompted Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's refusal to accept the Prime Minister's post.

"The fear was that till now others used to write speeches which was read out before the people. But this is much different from delivering a speech at the Red Fort in New Delhi," Fernandes told Aaj Tak without naming Gandhi in reply to a question about the Congress president.

He said it was not easy to undertake the Prime Minister's job, which requires long years of experience and knowledge of the country's history, culture, civilisation and the challenges it faces.

"All this cannot be acquired by reading speeches written by others. If it does not come from the within, then he/she is frightened," Fernandes said.

Asked how much time he would give to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, Fernandes said that thought it was yet to complete a month "the indications are not so good".

On the possibility of a new alliance before the next polls, the NDA convenor said he does not see any weaknesses in the present coalition.

On Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, he said that Yadav had been a friend of his for over 35 years and it would be good for the country if they joined hands together.