SONIA GANDHI LIFE STORY

'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.

Rahul's friends skipped his birthday party after Indira Gandhi's 1977 poll defeat: Sonia

Sonia Gandhi's memoir recounts how Rahul Gandhi's seventh birthday in 1977 turned sombre after all but one of his invited friends stayed away following Indira Gandhi's electoral defeat. She describes how the incident exposed the impact of political hostility on the Gandhi family's children and became an early lesson in human relationships.

Sonia Gandhi questioned Rajiv on Shah Bano case, he said he was trying to deal with it fairly

In her new memoir, Sonia Gandhi recalls questioning Rajiv Gandhi over his handling of the Shah Bano case and his attempt to balance religious rights with gender justice. She also revisits the Ayodhya dispute, alleging that the BJP-RSS's actions deepened communal tensions and eventually led to the Babri Masjid's demolition.

‘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.

Nishikant Dubey questions Sonia Gandhi's portrayal of 'Sanjay as Villain, Rajiv as Hero'

'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.

Indira had tears in eyes while watching Operation Blue Star aftermath footage: Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi shares insights from her memoir on her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi's feelings during Operation Blue Star. Indira was deeply affected by the violence and loss of life resulting from the siege at the Golden Temple. Despite her attempts to negotiate, Indira ordered military action when faced with an impending declaration of Khalistan. The operation resulted in considerable destruction and angered the Sikh community, leading to significant challenges for Indira.

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.

Great damage done to India's fabric under Modi government, people now recognising it: Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi has expressed concerns over the damage inflicted on India's democracy and institutions in recent years. She emphasized that the Congress has never compromised with the BJP and RSS, and continues to fight for constitutional values. According to Gandhi, the party has faced severe challenges but remains resilient in the face of adversity. She mentioned her personal journey and motivations for entering public life.

Emergency a mistake, Indira came to feel the same: Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi reveals her belief that the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi was a significant mistake. She suggests that if Sanjay Gandhi had been kept in check, much of the subsequent damage could have been avoided. Indira Gandhi's decision was influenced by various pressures, including those from her younger son Sanjay and several advisors.

'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.

'I'll have to come back for his funeral': Sonia Gandhi recalls son's words ahead of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination

Sonia Gandhi reflects on the night of her husband Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in May 1991. She recounts her son Rahul's ominous premonition about Rajiv's security just months prior. Priyanka informed her of the tragedy after a bomb explosion in Sriperumbudur. As the family dealt with the shock, they struggled to comprehend the devastating news. The memoir captures the profound grief and chaos following Rajiv's death, highlighting family resilience.

'Old habits die hard': Sonia Gandhi recalls Bill Clinton 'surreptitiously sizing up' beautiful women at reception called by Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Sonia Gandhi's memoir Belonging: A Journey Of Love recalled Clinton's 2000 visit to India. She says she noticed Bill Clinton discreetly looking at women during a reception hosted by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She also recounts Sarkozy's 2008 visit without Carla Bruni and his later appearance with her after their marriage. The memoir includes her memories of meeting Princess Diana, describing her warmth, charm and difficult marriage to Prince Charles.

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.

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.

Sonia Gandhi went from 'absolutely not' to 'theek hai' to firm no while deciding on taking up PM post

Sonia Gandhi reflects on her decision to decline the prime ministership after the 2004 elections. Her children expressed concern over the dangers associated with the position. Despite initial pressure from alliance leaders, she ultimately stood firm on her decision. Gandhi describes a moment of self-reflection that led her to nominate Manmohan Singh instead. The entire experience was emotionally taxing for her and her family.

Not a political book but a personal one: Sonia Gandhi on her memoir

Sonia Gandhi prepares to unveil her memoir, positioning it as a personal narrative rather than a political one. Through candid reflections, she explores the love that guides her life and recounts the family tragedies that have shaped her. Her five-decade journey in Indian politics is depicted with sincerity, revealing the motivations and struggles of her family. The memoir is set for release on November 10 under HarperCollins India.

Sonia Gandhi revisits Diwali memories, recalls family traditions with Priyanka

Sonia Gandhi reflected on her childhood Diwali celebrations in a recent video with her daughter Priyanka. They shared memories of family traditions that included diyas and visiting markets for firecrackers. Sonia spoke about the festive food, particularly Kashmiri dishes, which remain part of their celebrations. The conversation highlighted how the festival has historically involved friends and family from various communities visiting their home.