Sonia Gandhi will be seen talking about many important aspects from personal life to politics in her new book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. In the interview given before the launch of the book, he expressed his views on many issues including Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Emergency, foreign origin controversy and the decision of not accepting the post of Prime Minister in 2004.
Tezzbuzz Desk – Sonia Gandhi has spoken openly on many aspects related to her life and political journey in her upcoming book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The book mentions his experiences of meeting Rajiv Gandhi and love, marriage, his relationship with Indira Gandhi, his entry into politics after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and becoming the Congress President.
Sonia Gandhi spoke on emergency
On the question of Emergency, Sonia Gandhi said that in the eyes of common people, Sanjay Gandhi is often considered synonymous with Emergency, but at that time Indira Gandhi was also under pressure from some of her senior colleagues. He said that Rajiv Gandhi had his own opinion and later Indira Gandhi understood the situation and took steps to improve the situation.
Sonia Gandhi also recalled the experiences she had with Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi after coming to India. He said that courage, compassion for others, commitment to a secular and democratic India and a sense of duty influenced his life and outlook.
Sonia Gandhi has also mentioned RSS and BJP in her book. He said the Congress has remained steadfast in support of its constitutional values and the right of people to practice their religion and faith without fear. When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that both come from different ideological worlds and have different views on India.
Old pain spills over dispute of foreign origin
Recalling the foreign origin controversy, Sonia Gandhi said that when Congress leaders Sharad Pawar, PA Sangma and Tariq Anwar raised the issue of her foreign origin, she had tears in her eyes and walked out of the meeting. He said that he was saddened that his loyalty to India was being questioned.
Sonia Gandhi also spoke in detail about her decision not to accept the post of Prime Minister in 2004. She told that before the elections she had told one of her children that she would not accept the post of Prime Minister. Later, under pressure from party leaders, he agreed, but changed his decision. After this Dr. Manmohan Singh became the Prime Minister.
Sonia Gandhi said that the roles between her and Manmohan Singh were clear and both worked as a team. She told that Dr. Singh was leading the government, while she was handling the responsibility of the party.
Cleared stand on agreement with BJP-RSS
Regarding political agreements, Sonia Gandhi said that in politics many times one has to be practical and make compromises and on some occasions one had to join hands with people of different ideologies. However, he said that Congress has never compromised with BJP and RSS and will not do so.
Regarding the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, Sonia Gandhi said that in the last twelve years there has been huge damage to the country's structure, democracy and institutions. He said that even after the change of government, it will take time to bring the systems back on track and for this the political parties will have to work hard. He also said that he is optimistic and expects the return of better governance from the people of India.
On the current situation of Congress, Sonia Gandhi said that she is not pessimistic. He alleged that Congress and other opposition parties have not got equal opportunity. He also made allegations against the Election Commission, mainstream media, use of money and religion. Sonia Gandhi said that despite this, Congress is fighting bravely and moving forward.