Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has opened up about her personal life, love, family tragedies and political journey in a rare interview ahead of the release of her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. Born in Italy in 1946, Sonia Gandhi moved to India after marrying Rajiv Gandhi in 1968. She described how her journey began with love and gradually developed into a deep connection with India and the Gandhi family. She also shared memories of meeting Rajiv Gandhi while studying in Cambridge, England.
During the interview, Sonia Gandhi recalled the painful deaths of her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1984, and her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in a suicide bombing in 1991. She revealed that she had strongly opposed her husband’s entry into politics because she feared for his safety. Following these tragedies, she stayed away from public life for several years before eventually entering politics in 1998 to lead the Congress Party.
Sonia Gandhi also reflected on her political responsibilities and her decision to decline the position of prime minister after Congress won the 2004 general election. Her memoir shares personal experiences of love, loyalty, grief and belonging, while offering a glimpse into India’s political history over several decades. She expressed concern about the condition of Indian democracy but remained hopeful about the country’s future, saying she believes people will welcome better governance.
