1. Rahul Gandhi, 38
Congress General Secretary
Why
He makes it to the top of the IE100 power list, even ahead of the Congress President, because the Grand Old Party of India sees in him the hope for its future and revival. Ask ruling party faithfuls and they will tell you that if any decision is to be made or a change effected, the route to the mother is through Rahul. Taking a plunge into politics shortly before the 2004 parliamentary election, AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi is building his team of young advisers with a patience that’s as cautious as it’s powerful.
Power punch
He backed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the Indo-US nuclear deal. He was also a strong advocate of his party’s decision to provide unconditional support to friend Omar Abdullah’s government in Jammu and Kashmir. Ashok Chavan, who was recently appointed Maharashtra CM, also had his blessings.
What next
He must win votes for the Congress. A section of senior Congress leaders wants to project him as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. It all depends on the mandate the party gets in the general election, say insiders. The young leader is not interested in running a shaky coalition government, they add.

2. Sonia Gandhi, 62
Congress President
Why
Chairperson of the ruling UPA Sonia Gandhi, in her eleventh year as president of the Congress, has forced her critics to acknowledge her as a sharp and astute politician. As much at ease with Lalu Prasad Yadav from Bihar as with M. Karunanidhi from Tamil Nadu, she shares a good rapport with regional satraps and is a natural choice in the party for running a coalition government.
Power punchWith that one act—the “supreme sacrifice” in 2004 when she declined the prime minister’s post—she became almost immune to personal charges. Although in regular correspondence with UPA ministers, she has made special efforts not to appear to be intruding on the Prime Minister’s territory. With her public backing of Manmohan Singh on crucial issues like the Indo-US nuclear deal and inflation, she put all talk about dual power centres to rest.
What nextWith the ruling coalition looking like the political favourite in the next general election, there are many who see her undisputed reign in the party and government continuing.

... contd.