Sonia Gandhi Teases Upcoming Memoir, Shares Personal Insights on Rajiv Gandhis Political Journey

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat October 27, 2026, 7:59 pm 3 min read

New Delhi, October 27: Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi has hinted at some “drama” surrounding the release of her memoir, “Belonging: A Journey of Love.” In a recent video posted on X, she expressed that for years, others have narrated her story, and now it is her turn to share her perspective.

In the one-and-a-half-minute video, she revealed her strong opposition to Rajiv Gandhi becoming Prime Minister when he was first approached for the role. “There will definitely be some drama when the book comes out. People have been telling my story for years; now it’s my turn,” she stated.

Sonia emphasized that much of what has been written about her is either inaccurate or exaggerated, prompting her to pen this memoir to present the facts in her own words. She acknowledged that public opinions about her may vary, and while some may change their views after reading the book, others might form even more negative perceptions. “This is natural when writing a book and being in public life,” she added.

Recent Social Media Engagement

Sonia Gandhi had not been active on social media until recently. On October 22, she joined Instagram, showcasing the first copies of her book in her inaugural post. She launched her account on X on October 24, and the recent video marks her second post. The memoir is set to be released on November 10, published by HarperCollins India.

First Encounter with Rajiv Gandhi

In her first post on X, Sonia recounted her initial meeting with Rajiv Gandhi at a Greek restaurant named “Varsity” in Cambridge, England, where they were both studying. She had ventured there in search of Italian cuisine. This meeting took place in 1965, and they married on February 25, 1968. Sonia reflected that she felt an instant connection with Rajiv, and later discovered he felt the same way.

“He was a very gentle-looking person. Indeed, he was quite handsome,” Sonia remarked about Rajiv Gandhi.

Content of the Memoir

The memoir covers Sonia’s childhood in post-war Italy, her encounter with Rajiv at Cambridge, and her integration into the Nehru-Gandhi family and Indian life. It also addresses personal tragedies, including the deaths of Sanjay Gandhi in a plane crash in 1980, Indira Gandhi in 1984, and Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Additionally, it discusses her decision not to accept the Prime Minister position in 2004.

Political Journey Post-Rajiv’s Assassination

After Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, Sonia distanced herself from active politics for several years. She joined the Congress party in 1997 and became its president in March 1998, serving the longest term in the party’s history until 2017. From 2019 to 2022, she again took on the role of interim president.

Following the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress-led UPA formed a government with the external support of leftist parties. While coalition partners wanted Sonia to become Prime Minister, the BJP raised concerns about her foreign origins. On May 18, 2004, Sonia declined the Prime Minister position, leading the party to nominate Manmohan Singh, who took office on May 22.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.