THE INSCRUTABLE REFORMER

The compromise PM was not expected to do much, except be a harmless place-holder. But Narasimha Rao did not remain a stage prop for long-by the time he exited, he had altered India's grammar

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Narasimha Rao knew 17 languages, but he didn't speak much. That was the trait that got him the job. Sonia Gandhi was traumatised by husband Rajiv's assassination and, a recluse herself, not initiated into the family vocation of her marital home. Taking over a minority government in stormy times was not an option. Someone who had never raised his voice as a cabinet minister under Indira and Rajiv—the classic, khadi-clad Congress amanuensis—seemed a safe choice. At worst, he would do nothing.