MEMOIRS

'Is it a crime to be ambitious?': Pranab Mukherjee's daughter responds to Sonia Gandhi's memoir

Sharmistha Mukherjee has spoken in defense of her father's ambition to become prime minister. She explained that Pranab Mukherjee's desire was rooted in his extensive political experience and hard work. In her response to Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Sharmistha expressed surprise at Gandhi's shock regarding Pranab's aspirations. She highlighted her father's rise from humble beginnings to significant political positions without dynastic privilege.

BJP’s Sudhanshu Trivedi takes dig at Sonia Gandhi: “Gave up PM post, became Super PM"

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi has revived questions about Sonia Gandhi's influence during the UPA government, alleging that she functioned as a 'Super PM' after declining the top post in 2004. He cited her Cabinet Minister-ranked position as National Advisory Council chairperson, while Gandhi's memoir revisits why she chose Manmohan Singh to lead the government.

‘Should've called it Whitewashing, not Belonging’: BJP slams Sonia Gandhi's memoir

The BJP has criticised Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, with party spokesperson CR Kesavan saying it should have been titled 'Whitewashing, not Belonging'. Kesavan accused the book of sugar-coating the Nehru-Gandhi family's past, while BJP leader HS Phoolka alleged that Gandhi's account of the Army's deployment after Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984 contradicts official records and gives Rajiv Gandhi a clean chit.

‘Made it a point to speak frankly to each other’: Sonia Gandhi on her equation with Manmohan Singh

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, offers insights into her political journey and relationships with key figures. She recalls her equation with former PM Manmohan Singh, Pranab Mukherjee's reported suggestion that he could become PM, Rahul Gandhi's elevation as Congress president, her limited interactions with PM Narendra Modi and the circumstances surrounding Maneka Gandhi's departure from the family home.

LeVar Burton spent decades teaching kids to love books; his own memoir, out today, is about the father who wasn’t there

LeVar Burton's new memoir, Take My Word for It, explores his childhood, his estranged relationship with his father and the lasting influence of his mother. Published by Random House on November 10, the book also revisits his journey from Roots to Reading Rainbow and his lifelong commitment to literacy.

"Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement was covertly supported by BJP, RSS" to dislodge UPA: Sonia Gandhi's memoir

Sonia Gandhi, in her memoir, indicates that the 'India Against Corruption' movement received covert support from the BJP and RSS. The movement created significant public pressure, compelling the UPA government to pass the Lokpal Act in 2014. Although the legislation aimed to combat corruption, it became ineffective following the BJP's rise to power. Gandhi reflects on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's challenges during this tumultuous period.

'Rahul, joy to us all, but especially his grandmother': Sonia recalls son's chubby childhood in memoir

Sonia Gandhi shares her recollections of her son Rahul's early years and his relationship with Indira Gandhi. She describes her initial feelings of exclusion during the planning of Rahul's naamkaran ceremony and how she addressed them. Sonia recalls Indira's affectionate yet sometimes frustrating comparisons of Rahul to veteran leader Kamalapati Tripathi. Despite tensions, Sonia learned to communicate effectively with Indira, often through brief notes.

Sonia Gandhi has not seen 'horrific' photo of Rajiv's remains taken after assassination: Book

In her tell-all memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love", former Congress president Sonia Gandhi says her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra deliberately kept the image from her, instructing their staff not to hand her any newspaper or magazine without vetting it.

BJP's Pradeep Bhandari revives Bofors row over Sonia Gandhi's memoir, questions Rajiv Gandhi-Quattrocchi links

Speaking to in Delhi, Bhandari said the release of the memoir had brought renewed attention to the Bofors scandal and questioned the alleged links between former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi.

'Shaken and worried': Sonia Gandhi speaks up about fighting cancer twice

Sonia Gandhi shares her personal medical challenges with cancer in her recently released memoir. After a breast cancer surgery in 2010, she discovered a tumor in her pancreas a year later. Gandhi underwent subsequent surgeries in Italy and the Netherlands, revealing the emotional turmoil these experiences caused her. During a campaign in 2016, she collapsed from fatigue, leading to another surgery for a broken shoulder.

Family disputes resurface as Sonia Gandhi holds Sanjay responsible for Emergency: KC Tyagi

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)leader K C Tyagi said there was a discussion at the time of the Emergency that Sanjay Gandhi, Om Mehta, Siddhartha Shankar Ray and Bansi Lal were opposed to any kind of compromise and wanted confrontation.

Anti-Sikh riots remain tragic and shameful chapter in country's history: Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi reflects on her memories of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots following Indira Gandhi's assassination. Rajiv Gandhi made national appeals for peace amidst the violence and chaos that ensued. Several commissions were established in hopes of delivering justice to the victims of the riots. Despite the government's efforts, justice has been slow and unsatisfactory for those affected.

Sonia Gandhi says Penguin was 'uneasy' with criticism of govt

Sonia Gandhi expressed disappointment over Penguin Random House India's refusal to publish her memoir due to government criticism. Although inclined to publish, the publisher reportedly faced internal disagreements regarding the manuscript's content. Subsequent concerns were raised regarding potential government pressure affecting the book's publication. HarperCollins India has now confirmed publication of her memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' on November 10.

'Kept my Italian passport because it was part of me': Sonia Gandhi recounts renouncing Italian citizenship in memoir

Sonia Gandhi detailed her experience of renouncing her Italian citizenship and adopting Indian nationality in her memoir. She described the emotional process of surrendering her passport, which symbolized part of her identity. Over time, she felt increasingly disconnected from her life in Italy and embraced her life in India. The renunciation was emphasized by the Italian embassy official, highlighting the permanence of her decision.

India fallen way down list of nations deemed liberal democracies under Modi govt: Sonia

Sonia Gandhi, in her memoir, critiques the Modi government's impact on India's democratic institutions and social fabric. She highlights the growing wealth disparity and lack of transparency in governance under the current regime. Gandhi expresses concern over the media's loss of independence and the suppression of dissenting voices in society.

Sonia Gandhi's memoir recalls the stormy years of 'Choti Bahu' Maneka

Sonia Gandhi's memoir explores the familial and political tensions within the Gandhi family. Maneka Gandhi's marriage to Sanjay ignited complex dynamics leading to significant disagreements. Indira Gandhi's concerns about Sanjay's political ambitions and Maneka's influence further strained relationships. The eventual fallout resulted in Maneka's departure, which Sonia describes in detail in her book. This historical account outlines the impact of personal conflicts on political landscapes within a prominent family.

Sonia Gandhi reveals how Pranab Mukherjee hinted at replacing PM Manmohan Singh

Pranab Mukherjee hinted at his aspiration to become prime minister during a conversation with Sonia Gandhi in 2010. Sonia Gandhi's memoir reveals their discussion about a potential change in leadership at that time. She recounts how Mukherjee's frustrations with the Finance Minister led him to suggest this change. Gandhi also dismisses allegations of her being a back-seat driver during the UPA government.

Sonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' hits bookstores across India

BJP's C R Keshavan accuses Sonia Gandhi of whitewashing Emergency in recently published memoir

C R Kesavan of BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of attempting to justify the Emergency in her new memoir. He suggested that her book should focus on historical wrongs instead of glossing over them. Kesavan raised concerns about her perceived emotional responses to violence during Congress rule, including the 1984 Sikh riots and terrorist attacks. The spokesperson condemned her remarks on the Emergency as an attempt to normalise past injustices.

Russell Brand Movies: From ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ to ‘Despicable Me’, here's a look at his Hollywood career as the actor receives 10 year prison sentence

Russell Brand, the once-celebrated Hollywood actor and comedian, has received a shocking sentence of over ten years behind bars after being convicted of rape and sexual assault against several women. After rising to fame with his captivating stand-up performances and movie roles, Brand's ongoing legal battles have cast a shadow over his career and personal life, including a brief marriage to Katy Perry that lasted only 14 months in 2012.

Joe Biden, in White House memoir, says Trump should carry the weight of Jan. 6 riots 'to his grave'

Joe Biden’s memoir sharply criticizes Donald Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Biden argues that Trump's actions have significantly harmed American institutions and societal coherence. During his presidency, Biden faced multiple challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability. He reflects on a unique meeting with Trump that raised concerns about Trump's approach to governance.

Joe Biden health news: How serious is the ex-President's prostrate cancer as he says he will limit promoting his memoir 'Promise me America'

Joe Biden has provided a health update about his prostate cancer treatment as he prepares his memoir. His son, Hunter Biden, described the treatment as painful and physically demanding while stating his father's condition looks encouraging. Biden acknowledged that his health would limit public appearances for his book, Promise Me, America, due out on November 17. He urged men to engage in regular health checks for early cancer detection.

‘Some days are better than others’: Joe Biden opens up about cancer battle ahead of memoir release

Joe Biden has announced that his cancer diagnosis will limit his promotional efforts for Promise Me, America. He revealed that his doctors remain optimistic about his treatment response and the illness affects his daily life. Biden expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the public and his family during this difficult time. He emphasized the importance of resilience and recalled advice from his father about overcoming challenges.