Gandhi turns down post of Indian leader

SONIA GANDHI said she would "humbly decline" to be the next prime minister of India, a decision that followed Hindu nationalist outrage over the prospect of a foreign-born woman at the helm of the nation.

Ms Gandhi, an Italian native, said she did not say who she would nominate for the post, but the favourite appeared to be Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic liberalisation program during the last Congress-led government from 1991 to 1996.

"The post of prime has not been my aim," Ms Gandhi said over a crowd that yelled at her to take the job. "I was always certain that if ever I found myself in the position I am in today I would follow my inner voice. I humbly decline the post."