Sonia Gandhi, the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi following health complications. According to official reports, she was brought to the medical facility at approximately 10:22 PM on Tuesday after complaining of discomfort. Doctors diagnosed her with stomach and urinary tract infections (UTI). Her son and Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, remained at the hospital throughout the night to attend to her, subsequently sharing his personal reflections on the experience through a video message.
Due to the sudden hospitalization, Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled political engagements were adjusted. He was unable to attend the all-party meeting held at Parliament House on Wednesday and had to cancel his visit to Kerala. In his absence, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge represented the party at various events, while Rahul Gandhi addressed a public rally in Kerala via video conferencing. Hospital authorities have stated that Sonia Gandhi is currently stable and is being monitored by a specialized team of physicians.
Rahul Gandhi’s Personal Account from the Hospital
In a video message posted on social media, Rahul Gandhi detailed his experience of staying overnight in his mother’s hospital room. He mentioned that he slept on a small sofa, emphasizing the natural anxiety any son feels regarding a parent's health, while he stated that his primary focus was ensuring his mother received the necessary care and support during the night. The Congress leader highlighted the emotional toll of such situations but reiterated his commitment to being present for his family during medical emergencies.
Tribute to the Dedication of Kerala Nurses
A significant portion of Rahul Gandhi’s message was dedicated to the healthcare professionals at the hospital, specifically a nurse from Kerala. He recounted how she visited the room every hour to check on Sonia Gandhi, maintaining a reassuring smile and holding her hand to provide comfort. Gandhi noted that the presence of such dedicated staff provided him with immense relief. He praised the global reputation of nurses from Kerala, stating that they provide solace to countless families across the world through their professional and compassionate service.
Criticism of Unemployment and Political Accountability
While addressing the Kerala rally virtually, Rahul Gandhi directed sharp criticism toward both the Central and State governments. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised 2 crore jobs at the national level, while the Kerala Chief Minister had promised 40 lakh jobs in the state. Gandhi alleged that after a decade, these promises remain unfulfilled and that existing employment opportunities have diminished. He claimed that neither the BJP nor the LDF feels accountable to the citizens of Kerala.
Allegations of Collusion and Selective Agency Action
Rahul Gandhi also raised concerns regarding the actions of central investigative agencies. He observed that while opposition leaders across India are frequently targeted by agencies like the ED and CBI, no such action has been taken against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He described this as evidence of a political understanding between the BJP and the LDF. He asserted that the lack of investigation into state-level allegations suggests a strategic alliance aimed at marginalizing the Congress-led UDF.
Electoral Promises for the State of Kerala
Outlining the Congress party’s vision for Kerala, Rahul Gandhi announced several welfare initiatives. These include free KSRTC bus travel for women and a monthly financial assistance of 1000 rupees for college-going girls. He also promised to increase welfare pensions to 3000 rupees and introduce the Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme with a coverage of ₹25 lakh per family. On top of that, he mentioned interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for the youth and the creation of a dedicated department for senior citizens.