As far back as May 2006, astrologers had predicted that Rahul Gandhi's desire to marry a foreigner would not materialise and he would instead get married to an Indian girl, most probably with the blessings of his mother.
At that time, his relationship with his Spanish girlfriend Veronique (often erroneously described as Juanita and Columbian), who hed met during his student years at Cambridge, was going extremely strong.
There were reports that Veronique had even accompanied Rahul when he went on a holiday with his sister Priyanka to Kerala, suggesting that the family was comfortable with his choice. Later, there were rumours that hed secretly married Veronique in the Tenerife Islands, the exotic island getaway thats the playground of Europes rich and famous.
The sense of deja vu about the whole affair is palpable. His father, Rajiv Gandhi, met an Italian girl during his student years at Cambridge. He later married Sonia Maino, despite the sensitivities involved-his mother Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India and scion of a family that played a crucial role freeing the country from foreign rule. So, it was more or less clear to most observers that even Rahul would get a nod from his mother to tie the knot with his girlfriend - sooner or later.
But now, theres a twist in the tale. Amid strong rumours that the two have broken up and that now an arranged marriage is in the offing for Rahul, the 38-year-old bachelor went on the record to say in Bhatinda recently that while political engagements were his priority, "I will get married soon."
There is strong speculation about the girl in question-shes Indian, so the astrologers were right after all-but its premature to make an announcement. With Rahul being projected and groomed as the future Prime Minister, his marriage will have to be politically correct. Thats hint enough.
In fact, according to a snap poll conducted by After Hours post the statement, Rahul Gandhi emerged as the most eligible bachelor in India at the moment. Most respondents said it would be his marriage they'd most want to see, followed closely by Salman Khan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
