Sonia Gandhi Says Memoir Will Cause Tamasha as She Shares First Look Online

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi stated that the upcoming release of her memoir will cause some tamasha, noting that others have spent decades telling her story. She made the remarks in a video shared on X on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, ahead of the book's scheduled release on November 10. The 544-page book, titled Belonging: A Journey of Love, will be published in India by HarperCollins India. In the video, Ms. Gandhi is seen turning the pages of the book and questioning whether she should share her entire story. She recalled being completely against her late husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, taking on the role of Prime Minister. She added that people hold varied views of her, which might change or worsen after the book comes out, noting that such reactions are standard for public figures.

Visuals and Background

The promotional video features archival footage and photos from her life, including her marriage to Rajiv, his assassination, All India Congress Committee meetings, and moments with her children, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Ms. Gandhi recently joined Instagram on October 22 and X on October 23, marking her first personal foray into social media after years of using the party's official handles. HarperCollins India announced last month that it would publish the memoir following an impasse between her representatives and Penguin Random House India.

Context

Memoirs written by long-serving political figures often generate widespread public discussion and debate upon release. Publishing deals for prominent leaders frequently involve negotiations regarding domestic and international distribution rights. Social media platforms serve as direct channels for public figures to announce major personal milestones directly to supporters.