Sonia Gandhi reflects on democracy, Congress challenges and personal journey in new memoir

Sonia Gandhi told The Hindu that the Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh administration of the past twelve years has caused "great damage" to the country's democratic fabric and institutions, adding that recovery will require "great effort from political parties" and time even after the government leaves office. She expressed optimism that the Indian public will eventually welcome a return to "proper governance."

Addressing concerns about the Congress party's decline, Gandhi said she is not pessimistic, noting that the party and other opposition groups have not enjoyed a level playing field since the current government assumed power. She cited the ruling party's influence over institutions such as the Election Commission, mainstream media, financial resources and religious narratives, but claimed that recent revelations of alleged electoral irregularities have increased public awareness and that the Congress is improving its prospects through alliances with like-minded parties.

Gandhi's forthcoming memoir, published by HarperCollins India, is described as a personal account set against a political backdrop. She characterised the book as a love story that began with her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi and expanded to include his family, the nation, and her eventual entry into public life. When asked about the narrative, she replied, "> Yes! It is not only a love story between the two of us, it’s also the story of how I grew to love Rajiv’s family and the country to which they belonged, and then I too came to belong in it."

Reflecting on the influence of Rajiv and Indira Gandhi, she said their "courage, empathy, commitment to a secular and democratic India and a sense of duty" shaped her outlook and helped her endure difficult periods. She also noted that while her early Italian upbringing still informs her values, she now smiles and laughs less than she did as a young bride.

Gandhi recounted her 1999 resignation as Congress president after party leaders questioned her foreign origin, describing the episode as hurtful and shocking, yet stating that after "some soul-searching" she chose to continue her political role. Regarding the 2004 Lok Sabha victory, she explained that she declined the prime ministerial offer, later changing her mind under pressure, and affirmed that the United Progressive Alliance's governance proceeded positively with Manmohan Singh as prime minister and her leading the party.