1999

•It is not possible that a country of 980 million, with a wealth of education, competence and ability, can have anyone other than an Indian-born to head its government.

— P A Sangma, Tariq Anwar, Sharad Pawar

•We oppose her on the grounds that she is a foreigner. We have saved the country from a foreign power.

— Mulayam Singh Yadav

2002

•This is not the appropriate time to raise the issue. We will take it up when the time comes.

— Sharad Pawar

•It is a crying shame and moral bankruptcy of the Cong that its leaders who were at the forefront of the freedom struggle should think of having a foreigner as PM.

— Jayalalithaa

2003

•In 1999, I had made big mistakes.I have suffered a lot and realised that half-truths are dangerous.

— Mulayam Singh Yadav, regretting his comments against Sonia’s foreign origin.

2004

•Sonia’s foreign origin is not relevant once the matter has been settled in High Court and Supreme Court.

— Mulayam Singh Yadav

•I think it (foreign origin issue) will not click. It is an old issue... People have accepted Sonia as an Indian. Once you accept her as an MP you can’t prevent her from becoming the PM, unless you bring out a law.

— Ram Vilas Paswan

•I don’t think that is a relevant issue...Fundamental opposition (to Sonia becoming PM)? How can it be...hundreds of boys are married in Europe, girls are married. I cannot tell them, get out....Then that should be applicable to all and not one.

— Harkishen Singh Surjeet

•Sonia’s foreign origin is not so important today. There are more important issues which need attention.

— Kalyan Singh

•If persons from India can go out and lead the foreign countries, then why those with foreign origin cannot do (so) here...the foreign origin issue is not an issue.

— Mayawati

•As far as the BJP is concerned, Sonia’s foreign origin will remain an election issue. She is a foreigner... The prime ministership should be restricted to only those born of Indian parents.

— Pramod Mahajan

•It will be an issue not only for the opposition parties but also for the Congress party... Everybody is afraid of projecting Sonia as the leader. This is what is happening in the Congress party.