Pranab Had Hoped to Become PM But Harbored No Ill Will When Passed Over for Manmohan
• Pranab told his daughter "No, she will not make me the PM" when asked about Sonia Gandhi making him prime minister in 2004. He knew it would be Manmohan Singh.
• Pranab did not harbor disappointment or rancour against Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh for the decision.
• Pranab confirmed to his daughter that he did have ambitions to become prime minister. But he accepted that it may not happen.
• Sonia Gandhi withdrew her candidacy for PM in 2004 unexpectedly. Pranab's diary entries during that time were brief given his hectic schedule.
• Pranab felt Rahul Gandhi was courteous and curious but had yet to politically mature. He advised Rahul to join the Cabinet to gain experience.