Political turmoil ends as Singh named Indian PM

MANMOHAN Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms and a respected consensus builder, was named prime minister yesterday, ending weeks of political turmoil that culminated with Sonia Gandhi's refusal to take the post.

Mr Singh and Congress party leader Mrs Gandhi met last night with President APJ Abdul Kalam, who approved Mr Singh's bid to form a minority government.

"I am happy to inform the nation the president has invited me to form the next government," Mr Singh told reporters after emerging from Mr Kalam's ornate, colonial-era palace. Mrs Gandhi was by his side and they appeared at ease, laughing when reporters shouted questions at them.