India's most powerful politician is said to be recuperating from a successful surgery overseas.

India's ruling Congress Party said Friday that its leader, Sonia Gandhi, underwent a successful operation for an undisclosed medical condition. A party spokesman said Gandhi's children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, are with her and that the family has requested privacy as the 64-year-old recuperates.

Local media reported the surgery took place in the United States. Gandhi is expected to remain abroad for several weeks.

A four-member group has been appointed to run the political party in Gandhi's absence. The group includes her son Rahul, who is widely seen as a future prime minister.

The shake-up in political control comes as the Congress Party battles continued corruption allegations.

Born in Italy, Gandhi is the leading figure of a family which has ruled India for most of the period since it won independence from Britain.

She is the widow of assassinated former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, had also been assassinated while serving as prime minister, in 1984. And Indira Gandhi's father, Jawaharlal Nehru, was India's first premier.

Sonia Gandhi declined calls to become prime minister after being credited with leading her Congress Party to victory in the 2004 elections.