Sonia Gandhi's memoir reopens Congress's uncomfortable questions

New Delhi - The memoir of Sonia Gandhi, titled "Belonging: A Journey of Love," has reignited controversial questions surrounding her family and the Congress party. As the first family of Indian politics, the Gandhis have been known for their guarded nature and the secrecy surrounding their internal affairs. However, Sonia Gandhi's candid account has brought forth various unsettling revelations about the family, the Congress party, and the exercise of power during the UPA years.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the memoir is the timing of its release, which coincides with the Gandhi family's efforts to shape narratives, both political and personal, around Rahul Gandhi. The book raises questions about whether the Congress party truly provides equal opportunities for its senior leaders to ascend to power or if the family continues to hold final authority over positions and the extent of an individual's rise.

The memoir delves into a long-standing controversy regarding Sonia Gandhi's role in the Manmohan Singh government. While she claims that there was a clear division of responsibilities, with Manmohan Singh handling the administration and she focusing on the party, the political reality during the UPA years paints a different picture.

Sonia Gandhi was the chairperson of the UPA and wielded considerable influence over the National Advisory Council and senior leaders' meetings, leading to persistent criticism of the UPA government.

Additionally, the memoir revisits other significant chapters in Congress history, including the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi and the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. Sonia Gandhi's account of the riots as a tragic episode has drawn criticism for her portrayal of the role and responsibility of the Congress leadership during those events.