The release of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's autobiography 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' has sparked a major political controversy in the country. Published by HarperCollins India, the 526-page memoir covers her childhood in post-war Italy, her romance and marriage to Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, and personal tragedies including the assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. As the book becomes available for sale, leaders from various political parties have weighed in with sharply contrasting views.
Support from Sam Pitroda and Digvijaya Singh
Congress leader Sam Pitroda strongly defended the memoir, stating that it reflects Sonia Gandhi's dedication, loneliness, and the difficult choices she made throughout her life. He praised her 2004 decision to step down from the prime ministerial post as an act of moral conviction. In Guna, Madhya Pradesh, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh described the book as a historical document that highlights Sonia Gandhi's commitment to harmony, truth, and traditional values.
Robert Vadra shared that the book took about 12 years to write and reflects complete honesty about her experiences. The memoir also delves into family dynamics, including Maneka Gandhi joining the household following her marriage to Sanjay Gandhi in September 1974. Sonia Gandhi noted that while she was initially happy to welcome a younger sister-in-law, tensions eventually arose between Sanjay and Maneka as disagreements spilled outside their private sphere.
BJP Criticism and Kangana Ranaut's Remarks
BJP spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi launched a counter-offensive, questioning past political decisions and referencing historical stances on the Emergency. Trivedi also alleged that Sonia Gandhi had desired the prime ministerial role in 1999 and criticized the power structures of the National Advisory Council during the UPA era. Meanwhile, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut used social media to raise questions about the sequence of tragedies within the Gandhi family, pointing to the deaths of Indira, Sanjay, and Rajiv Gandhi while questioning the treatment of Maneka Gandhi.
Other Political Reactions
Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa dismissed the BJP's criticism, claiming that opposition viewpoints are routinely misconstrued. Congress leader Udit Raj also defended the party's legacy while leveling accusations against the RSS. Social worker Anna Hazare responded to mentions of past agitations in the book by stating that his focus remains strictly on national welfare rather than political affiliations.
