By Hemant Parmar
senior congress leader Sonia GandhiWith the release of his famous book “Belonging: A Journey of Love”, there has been a lot of heat in the politics of the country. On one hand, there is tremendous enthusiasm about this book among Congress leaders and workers, while on the other hand, political opponents and comments going viral on social media are raising sharp questions regarding past events. Critics say that seeing the enthusiasm of the Congressmen, an atmosphere has been created as if this is the first book in the history of India, but the question is whether the unanswered and controversial questions of history have been answered in this book?
After the publication of the book, a video of Congress spokesperson Supriya Srinet has become much talked about, in which she has praised the book with great joy and emotion. He had said that the photo of Sonia Gandhi on the cover of the book was taken by Rajiv Gandhi in 1966 when he went to Italy to meet Sonia's father to ask for her hand. At that time Sonia was 20 years old and since the legal age for marriage in Italy was 21 years, her father had asked her to wait for a year. Congress supporters are calling this book a story of love, patience, courage and dedication to India. However, opponents are sarcastically asking whether amid all this enthusiasm and praise of the love story, is there any clarification on the political and historical controversies in the book?
Also read: Sonia Gandhi should apologize for her anti-Hindu statements: Dr. Surendra Jain, watch video
Among the posts and questions raised by the opponents that have gone viral on social media, the most discussed topics are tears and sensitive incidents. Critics are asking the direct question whether Sonia Gandhi has told in this book why she shed tears during the demolition of Babri Masjid, Batla House encounter, but why did she not shed tears during the Sikh massacre of 1984? On the other hand, opposition forces including BJP have also raised objections against the presentation of issues like Babri dispute and Operation Blue Star in the book, calling it an attempt to whitewash history.
In the viral comments, serious questions have also been raised regarding the tragic incidents related to the history of the Gandhi family. Critics are raising the question that what were the circumstances that after coming to India, Sanjay Gandhi died in a plane crash, Indira Gandhi was pierced by bullets and Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a bomb blast? Not only this, when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on 21st May, then why did Sonia Gandhi, who used to accompany other rallies with her saree tied on her head, not attend the rally that day? What situation arose that day? Besides, the controversial question of why Rahul Gandhi had allegedly refused to provide DNA for matching with the DNA of Rajiv Gandhi, who died in the bomb blast, is also being raised on social media.
Also read: Ban on Jihadi Zakir Naik's organization Islamic Research Foundation extended for five years
Sharp questions have also been raised on political power and policy making. Opponents say that after the death of Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi had repeatedly said that she neither wanted to become the Prime Minister nor wanted to enter politics. But the question arises that if he had no desire for power, then why did he form the “National Advisory Council” during the UPA regime and assume the post of its Chairman, whose job was to advise the Prime Minister? Also, why was there an attempt to bring pressure on the government to bring the Communal Violence Bill and as alleged by the critics, why was there a provision in that bill to hold only Hindus guilty in case of riots? Are there any revelations regarding this in the book?
Amidst the discussion of the book, former Prime Minister P.V. The issue of relations with Narasimha Rao has also heated up again. Critics are asking that if Sonia Gandhi forgave her husband's murderers, why couldn't she forgive Narasimha Rao? It is alleged that after the death of Narasimha Rao, his mortal remains were stopped from entering the Congress office. It is noteworthy that Narasimha Rao's grandson has also strongly criticized this book. Leaders of the Congress on the opposite side say that Sonia Gandhi, after facing attacks and propaganda from her opponents for decades, has now presented her views with complete simplicity and dignity.
In short, on one hand Congress is calling this book a document of Sonia Gandhi's personal life, struggle and commitment towards the country, while on the other hand critics are expressing the hope that the book will also include answers to all these sharp questions, so that her fans and supporters can have ready-made answers to give in public debates.
♦ Give your opinion about special articles and news published in Revoi. – Email: (email protected) ♦