New Delhi: India Inc today (May 19, 2004) welcomed the election of Manmohan Singh as Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) leader, paving the way for his becoming the Prime Minister, expressing confidence that he will carry forward the reform process, even as it fell short of words in praise of Congress president Sonia Gandhi for giving up the top post.

"Singh, the architect of economic reforms, would be able to carry forward the process and drive the country on higher growth trajectory," N Srinivasan, Director General of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said.

Appreciating the decision taken by Gandhi, he said, "The stature of Sonia Gandhi has gone up tremendously by not taking the Prime Ministership and recommending name of Singh known for balance, knowledge of economy, humility, simplicity, sensitivity and ability to listen to people."

Echoing his sentiments, Assocham President M K Sanghi congratulated Gandhi for taking the decision as per her conscience and extended total support of trade and industry to the new Government for carrying the country forward.

He said the Chamber was hopeful that the architect of the country's liberalisation policies, Singh, would give further impetus to reforms, particularly in the field of agriculture, financial sector, labour and education.