New Delhi: Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s book Belonging: A Journey of Love has become available in the market from November 10. Even before the book was published, some of its excerpts have created a stir in political circles. In this, Sonia Gandhi has revealed many untold aspects related to her decision of not accepting the post of prime minister after the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. She said that at that time she was faced with a big question between political responsibility and the safety of her family. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also did not want their mother to become the prime minister of the country.
Why did Rahul-Priyanka not want their mother to become prime minister?
Sonia Gandhi has written that before the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, she had discussed this issue with both her children. She had asked if, when Congress wins the elections, she should accept the post of prime minister. Both Rahul and Priyanka had clearly expressed their disagreement on this. The biggest reason for this was the painful past of the family. Both of them had closely witnessed the pain of the assassinations of their grandmother Indira Gandhi and father Rajiv Gandhi. They feared that after becoming the prime minister, the threat to their mother’s safety might increase. According to Sonia, both the children felt relieved when she said that she would not become the prime minister.
Why did confusion arise after the election results?
Sonia Gandhi admitted that after the victory of Congress in 2004, a difficult situation had arisen in front of her. On one hand, there were expectations from the party workers and voters, while on the other hand, she was not ready to accept the post of Prime Minister. She felt that it was her responsibility to carry forward the political legacy of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. But the thought of becoming prime minister was troubling her from within. Sometimes she felt that she should accept the post, and the next moment she started reconsidering her decision.
Why did Rahul ask his mother?
In the book, Sonia has also mentioned the time when Congress and alliance leaders had reached her residence to convince her to make her the prime minister. According to Sonia, Rahul Gandhi was angry with this development. He asked his mother that when she had already decided not to become the prime minister, then why did she say yes? Sonia replied that the leaders were not ready to listen to her and were constantly being pressurised. Priyanka Gandhi also reminded her mother of her old decision. Sonia wrote that at that time Priyanka’s eyes were red and she too felt like crying.
Did the issue of foreign origin also become a reason for the decision?
Sonia Gandhi has also said that political circumstances were important behind rejecting the post of Prime Minister. She wrote that she feared that if she became prime minister, the BJP and its allies would loudly raise the issue of her foreign origin. This could have increased political disputes in the country and also affected the functioning of the government. According to Sonia, India had adopted and supported her in difficult situations of her personal life. She did not want to take any step that would affect the political stability of the country.
What did Sonia Gandhi explain to herself that night?
In a special excerpt of the book, Sonia has mentioned the night when she took the final decision of not becoming the prime minister. She wrote that the long-running mental struggle suddenly ended. A voice came from within him, ‘Sonia, be true to yourself. You’ve always known it. Just leave it!’ That is, be true to yourself, you always knew your answer, just let it go. After this she decided not to accept the post of prime minister.
How was Manmohan Singh’s name stamped?
Sonia Gandhi also mentioned the incidents that took place in the Central Hall of Parliament. She said that when she refused to accept the post of prime minister, many Congress leaders became emotional and started appealing to her to change the decision. She had to stop his speech midway and go out for some time. Later she came again and clarified her decision. After this she proposed the name of Dr Manmohan Singh for the post of Prime Minister. In this way, in 2004, the command of the UPA government was handed over to Manmohan Singh. Sonia has clarified in the book that becoming prime minister was never her personal goal. For her, the formation of a strong, secular and committed government in the country was more important.
