In her newly released memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia Gandhi, the longest-serving president of the Congress party, offers intimate insights into her life. The book chronicles her journey from a young Italian student to becoming the center of Indian politics. One of the most intriguing aspects is her account of her love story with Rajiv Gandhi, which began in Cambridge. Sonia describes their first meeting at a restaurant and the instant attraction they felt for each other. Their engagement, however, was announced before she could inform her parents in Italy, causing initial shock and discomfort. The memoir also delves into political matters, including the Emergency, the Gandhi family's internal conflicts, the UPA years, and her relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
SUMMARY (CONTINUED):
The Emergency period is another significant part of Sonia's memoir. She recounts the differences within the Gandhi family over how Indira Gandhi should respond to the political crisis. Sanjay Gandhi advocated confronting the Opposition, while Rajiv suggested resignation as a more strategic move. The book offers a unique perspective on the Emergency through the political calculations and anxieties within Indira Gandhi's household.
SUMMARY (CONTINUED):
Sonia also provides a mixed assessment of Sanjay Gandhi, describing him as courageous but reckless. She criticizes the family planning program for its poor conception and callous implementation. The memoir also discusses the tensions following Sanjay Gandhi's death in 1980, particularly the estrangement between Indira Gandhi and her younger daughter-in-law, Maneka Gandhi. According to Sonia, Maneka's political ambitions led to bitter family splits. The memoir offers a fascinating blend of personal anecdotes and political insights, providing a unique perspective on key events in Indian politics.