Sonia Gandhi releases personal memoir Belonging
- Sonia Gandhi released her memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' on November 14, 2026.
- The book details her early life in Italy and her challenging transition to New Delhi.
- Gandhi discusses the 1975 Emergency and her decision to decline the prime ministership in 2004.
- The memoir reveals her struggle with suicidal thoughts following the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
- Shashi Tharoor describes the book as a personal narrative that avoids political score-settling.
Sonia Gandhi released her personal memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," describing the book as one where politics is merely background noise. Shashi Tharoor said the memoir focuses on personal history and avoids the political score-settling often found in such biographies. This release provides an intimate look at her life rather than serving as a record of political events.
Early life in Piedmont and transition to New Delhi
Sonia Gandhi grew up in Piedmont, Italy, and faced opposition to her marriage from her father, Stefano Maino, who refused to attend the wedding. Following the ceremony, Stefano Maino sent a letter to his daughter stating that his door would always remain open to her.
Her move to New Delhi involved adjusting to new customs, food, and language while navigating life with her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi.
Due to the fierce temper of Indira Gandhi, household staff and her physician would check if her "mood toh theek hai?" before entering her room.
Personal tragedies and family loss
Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi lost their firstborn son in January 1969, who was born two months prematurely.
Indira Gandhi cut short an official tour to comfort her family after the death of her first grandchild. Sonia Gandhi also reveals that she experienced suicidal thoughts following the assassination of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi.
Political milestones and the 1975 Emergency
The memoir 'Belonging' covers significant national events including the 1975 Emergency, Operation Blue Star, and the assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi entered politics in 1998, driven by a sense of duty influenced by her study of the Bhagavad Gita, despite her personal aversion to political life. Manmohan Singh.
Political relationships and internal party dynamics
Sonia Gandhi alleges that Pranab Mukherjee suggested she replace Manmohan Singh as prime minister in 2010 during a difficult period for the coalition.
Sonia Gandhi criticizes Sanjaya Baru's book, 'The Accidental Prime Minister', as a collection of falsehoods intended to create a rift between her and Manmohan Singh.
Medical choices and memoir omissions
Sonia Gandhi underwent surgery for breast tumors in Milan in 2010 and pancreatic surgery in Rotterdam in 2011. She chose to have her medical procedures in Europe to ensure privacy and to be near her sisters.
The memoir omits specific details regarding the Bofors scandal and Ottavio Quattrocchi.
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