Sonia Gandhi Discusses New Memoir and Past Politics in Rare Interview

Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi states that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh administration has caused severe harm to national institutions, democracy, and the country's fabric over the past dozen years. In a recent interview regarding her upcoming personal memoir, titled Belonging: A Journey of Love and published by HarperCollins India, she noted that repairing these systems will require considerable time and political effort once the current government leaves office. Despite noting public restlessness and stolen elections, she expressed optimism about the Congress party's growing prospects and its collaboration with like-minded opposition groups, while acknowledging that opposition parties lack a level playing field due to institutional control, financial strength, and the exploitation of religion.

Memoir Details

The book serves primarily as a personal memoir where politics acts as a background framework, detailing the immediate bond formed with Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge roughly six decades ago. Sonia Gandhi explained that the narrative captures her journey from a young bride who knew nothing about the nation to someone who grew to love Rajiv's family and the country itself, eventually entering public life to protect the sacrifices made by her family. She highlighted the profound influence of Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi, praising their courage, empathy, and dedication to a secular and democratic India. When asked about her younger self from sixty years ago, she remarked that her core values remain unchanged, though she used to laugh and smile much more back then. She also addressed historical events including the 1975-1977 Emergency.

Party Leadership

Recalling the events of May 1999 when party leaders like Sharad Pawar questioned her foreign origin and prompted her brief resignation as party chief, she admitted feeling hurt and shocked by being viewed as an outsider. However, she chose to continue after soul-searching to keep focused on her larger purpose. Regarding the 2004 Lok Sabha election where she declined the prime ministerial post after a coalition victory, she stated she has never wondered how things might have differed, emphasizing that she led the party while Manmohan Singh led the government in a largely positive team effort.

Context

Memoirs by prominent political figures often provide personal perspectives on decades of national history, shedding light on behind-the-scenes decision-making during major political transitions. Sonia Gandhi's decades-long leadership of the Indian National Congress places her at the center of modern Indian political history, bridging the eras of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi with contemporary opposition politics.