This request for tighter American security for Rahul, enhanced protection for Sonia and Priyanka, regular visits to 10 Janpath, and ritualistic invocations of Rajiv’s legacy—all had the desired effect. A close of friend of Rao says that in early 1992, Mrs Gandhi trusted Rao enough to tell him, ‘People are asking me to come to politics. If I was your daughter, what would you advise?’
