Sonia Gandhi Memoir Details Rajiv's Assassination, Kashmir Yatra Security Scare

UPDATE - follow-up to N. Ram on his interview with Sonia Gandhi: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi reflects on her memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', covering political challenges under BJP-RSS rule and personal history.

Yatra And Security

Sonia Gandhi writes that she felt alarmed when Rahul Gandhi's security detail disappeared as crowds gathered around him during the Kashmir leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in January 2023. She tried contacting everyone she could, and the march was paused for a day until security arrangements were restored. That leg later ended in Srinagar in swirling snowfall, with Rahul joined by Kashmiri leaders Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, along with Priyanka Gandhi. Sonia felt relieved when Rahul returned home safely, noting his exhaustion and a renewed light in his face.

Rajiv's Death

In another section, Gandhi recalls learning of the May 1991 bomb attack that killed former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Resting in her bedroom after campaigning, she was approached by Priyanka, who was preparing for a friend's birthday party. Priyanka entered the room slowly and shared that an explosion had occurred near Rajiv, with initial reports stating 12 people had died while suggesting he was safe.

Context

Memoirs by prominent political figures often provide personal accounts of historic national events and family tragedies. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was a major cross-country foot march organized by the Congress party to connect with citizens across India.