Sonia Gandhi opens up on personal memoir and political journey in new interview

UPDATE - follow-up to How a love story grew into a deep belonging to India: Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi says that the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh dispensation has caused great damage to Indian democracy and institutions over the last twelve years. In an interview about her upcoming book Belonging: A Journey of Love, published by HarperCollins India, she noted that repairing these systems will take time and effort once the current government leaves office.

Memoir and Background

The personal memoir uses politics as a background framework, detailing her bond with Rajiv Gandhi after they met at a Greek restaurant in Cambridge about sixty years ago. She stated that the book tells the story of how she learned to love her husband's family and India, which eventually drew her into public life when she saw sacrifices threatened and the party weakening. Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi are central figures in her story, teaching her about courage, empathy, and duty.

Political Views

Addressing criticism about the Congress party's decline, Sonia Gandhi blamed a lack of a level playing field, institutional stranglehold, media control, and money power. She recalled the 1999 foreign origin issue raised by leaders like Sharad Pawar, stating that she felt hurt by being viewed as an outsider before deciding to continue. She also confirmed she has no regrets about declining the Prime Minister role after the 2004 Lok Sabha election victory, noting she worked well as a team with Manmohan Singh.

Context

Sonia Gandhi served as the President of the Indian National Congress for nearly two decades, guiding the party through both power and opposition phases. Memoirs by senior political figures often blend personal history with national events to present their perspective on pivotal eras.