{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Sonia Gandhi Memoir Belonging: From Breast Cancer Battle to Rahul Gandhi Politics and APJ Abdul Kalam Revelations",
  "summary": "In her new book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', Sonia Gandhi opens up about her battle with breast cancer, the pain of losing her first child, and key political moments.",
  "content": "Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has drawn significant attention with her autobiographical work titled ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’. Within the pages of this book, she has unveiled several personal and political chapters of her life that previously remained away from extensive public glare. The narrative spans from her early personal hardships to major turning points in the nation's political landscape.\n\nThe Battle Against Breast Cancer and Hospital Memories\nSonia Gandhi recounted the challenging period when she faced a severe health crisis. Upon discovering that she had breast cancer, she chose to keep the matter private rather than turning it into a media spectacle. She decided to undergo surgery under the care of Dr. Veronesi. Describing the moment of heading to the hospital, she wrote that the reception area felt gloomy and depressing, which weighed heavily on the morale of both herself and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who accompanied her at the time.\n\nEarly Maternal Loss and Family Reflections\nThrough the book, Sonia Gandhi also shared one of the most difficult phases of her motherhood. She detailed the profound grief of losing her first child after premature delivery. Furthermore, she touched upon various testing times experienced by the family. Defending Sanjay Gandhi in her writing, she noted that while he might have been reckless or a risk-taker in his lifestyle, he was certainly not a coward. She added that the climate of hatred against him had grown so intense that the family constantly feared for his safety.\n\nAPJ Abdul Kalam Insights and the 2004 Prime Minister Episode\nSeveral political secrets have also come to light through the publication. Sonia Gandhi recalled the political juncture in 2004 when she was merely steps away from the prime ministerial chair. She mentioned a conversation with then-President APJ Abdul Kalam, who informed her that he had received numerous messages and letters urging him not to let her become Prime Minister. The book also details the sequence of events surrounding Rahul Gandhi taking over as Congress president and the initial resistance he faced from a section of older party leaders.\n\nAddressing the intense political scrutiny faced by her son, Sonia Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the personal attacks and derogatory remarks directed at him on social media. As a mother, she tried to provide emotional support by meeting him, hugging him, and cooking his favorite meals. The book notes that Rahul's candid and straightforward views did not always sit well with every veteran leader, though some factions within the party strongly supported bringing in younger leadership.\n\nLegal Cases and Vacating Government Accommodation\nSonia Gandhi highlighted the roughly 30 legal cases registered against Rahul Gandhi. She described a poignant moment when Rahul and Priyanka had to vacate their official government residence. She watched with a heavy heart as the two handed over the keys and bid farewell to the household staff by shaking hands. According to her, Rahul has never had any particular attachment to luxuries or material comforts.\n\nSecurity Anxieties and the 2019 General Elections\nA mother's persistent worry about her children's safety is a recurring theme in the memoir. Sonia stated that she has worried about Rahul's safety ever since he entered politics, a concern that persisted during the Bharat Jodo यात्रा as well. She also voiced apprehensions regarding Priyanka's safety. Discussing the 2004 to 2019 political trajectory, she remarked on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, noting that the military response following the Pulwama attack altered the political atmosphere, benefiting the BJP. She also touched upon the legal cases filed against her son-in-law Robert Vadra.\n\n1984 Anti-Sikh Riots and Rajiv Gandhi Peace Efforts\nReflecting on a darker historical chapter, Sonia Gandhi recalled the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the peace initiatives undertaken by Rajiv Gandhi during that period. She noted that immediately after taking the oath as Prime Minister following Indira Gandhi's assassination, Rajiv addressed the nation on national television, urging citizens to maintain peace and restraint. Rajiv emphasized that the nation was undergoing deep grief and that any act of violence would deeply hurt Indira Gandhi's spirit. According to her, Rajiv visited tense areas and instructed his staff to look into the safety of Sikh colleagues.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Which book by Sonia Gandhi is currently in the news?\nSonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' is currently drawing widespread attention.\n\n2. What major health struggle does Sonia Gandhi mention in her book?\nShe detailed her battle with breast cancer and her decision to undergo surgery privately.\n\n3. Which former President's conversation is highlighted in the memoir?\nThe book mentions interactions with former President APJ Abdul Kalam regarding letters sent to him.\n\n4. How many cases are mentioned against Rahul Gandhi in the book?\nSonia Gandhi noted that there are around 30 cases registered against Rahul Gandhi.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/national/sonia-gandhi-memoir-belonging-from-breast-cancer-battle-to-rahul-gandhi-politics-and-apj-abdul-kalam-revelations-58624",
  "category": "India",
  "publishedAt": "2026-11-10",
  "tags": [
    "Sonia Gandhi",
    "Congress",
    "Rahul Gandhi",
    "APJ Abdul Kalam",
    "book",
    "politics"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia",
  "questionsAndAnswers": [
    {
      "question": "Which book by Sonia Gandhi is currently in the news?",
      "answer": "Sonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' is currently drawing widespread attention."
    },
    {
      "question": "What major health struggle does Sonia Gandhi mention in her book?",
      "answer": "She detailed her battle with breast cancer and her decision to undergo surgery privately."
    },
    {
      "question": "Which former President's conversation is highlighted in the memoir?",
      "answer": "The book mentions interactions with former President APJ Abdul Kalam regarding letters sent to him."
    },
    {
      "question": "How many cases are mentioned against Rahul Gandhi in the book?",
      "answer": "Sonia Gandhi noted that there are around 30 cases registered against Rahul Gandhi."
    }
  ]
}