Sanjay Gandhi was a ‘man in a hurry’: Sonia on brother-in-law’s role in Emergency

A memoir penned by former Congress party president Sonia Gandhi has been released, shedding light on her personal journey and the family dynamics that shaped India's political landscape. Born in 1946 in a small Italian village, Sonia met her future husband, Rajiv Gandhi, the grandson of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, at a restaurant in Cambridge, UK. They married in 1968, during Indira Gandhi's tenure as India's Prime Minister.

Sonia's life took a tragic turn in 1984 when her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated. The incident deeply affected the Gandhi-Nehru family, with several members, including Rajiv, losing their lives in subsequent attacks. Despite these challenges, Sonia continued to be involved in politics and served as the longest-serving president of the Congress party.

In her book, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," Sonia reflects on her decision not to assume the prime minister's office in 2004. In an excerpt shared with The Indian Express, she revealed that her children, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, had discussed the possibility of her taking up the post. They had expressed concern about the heightened danger associated with the position, given the family's previous tragedies.

Sonia ultimately decided against becoming the prime minister, citing the emotional weight of their shared experiences.