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NEW DELHI/AMETHI, Apr 12: Political circles have long buzzed about Rahul Gandhi being a PM-in-waiting, but the Gandhis themselves have tended to downplay Priyanka  such talk. On Sunday, though, his sister Priyanka Gandhi — considered by many to be the natural legatee of their charismatic grandmother and former PM Indira Gandhi — gave a ringing endorsement to her brother even as she hinted that she may not be averse to plunging into active politics herself.

"I have full faith in my brother. He is hard working. He means well. He is, according to me, qualified... So, one day he will. He will do a good job of it," agencies quoted Priyanka as saying in response to a query about Rahul's eligibility for the top post. She was in Amethi campaigning for her brother.

The glowing testimony, however, was qualified by the assertion that incumbent Manmohan Singh would continue in the post if Congress won the Lok Sabha polls.

Priyanka, as usual in her element while mingling with crowds of supporters, also set off speculation that she might be ready to graduate from being campaign manager for mother Sonia and sibling Rahul and taking the political plunge herself.

“As I am growing older, I'm realising that `never' is a bad thing to say. So I'm not going to say never," agency reports quoted her as saying in response to the perennial "will she?" poser.

The reply seemed to signal a shift on the part of someone who has steadfastly brushed aside requests to contest elections, notwithstanding entreaties by supporters chanting "desh-ka-danka, Priyanka".

But by the time she finished her reply, Priyanka had entered a caveat that ensured that her plans would remain an enigma.

"I don't feel that (joining politics) is what I would do," agencies quoted her as saying as she rounded off her reply to the media before moving on to a ringing endorsement of Rahul as a prime ministerial candidate.

Naturally, Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi refused to read anything extraordinary in her comment. "She is already part of the larger Congress family. People connect with her thought process and identify with her and the charisma is for everyone to see. Whether she will hold this post or that post, I think it is completely premature to say in the light of what she has just said," he said.

Asked to comment on BJP's criticism that Manmohan Singh was a weak prime minister, Priyanka, according to agency reports, said, "Manmohan Singh is a very qualified prime minister. The country has seen his ability. He remains firm. I don't think he is weak at all."