On the ninth anniversary of the UPA government Wednesday, its two key figures - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi - praised one another.
Beginning his speech at his 7 Race Course residence, Manmohan Singh said to applause: "I would like to place on record our deep gratitude to Sonia Gandhi whose inspiring leadership has made these achievements possible."
And he ended his speech also by lauding Gandhi -- who made him the prime minister nine years ago -- for her "inspiring leadership".
Speaking later, Gandhi was more effusive in her praise of the prime minister.
She said Manmohan Singh had been carrying out his responsibilities during the last nine years with "great dignity" despite "unrelenting hostility" from the opposition.
"We respect him and we all stand by him," she added to loud applause.
