Why Sonia Gandhi refused the Prime Minister post revealed in new memoir

Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi's much-anticipated memoir titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' is set for release, creating significant discussion in political circles. Spanning 544 pages, the book details various personal and political milestones in Sonia Gandhi's life. The book includes references to the emergency era, the emotional moment when tears welled in Sonia's eyes upon the demolition of the Babri Mosque, discussions regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and sheds light on the crucial question of why she declined to become the Prime Minister of India in the year 2004.

In her book, Sonia Gandhi has written extensively about turning down the prime ministerial position, while sonia Gandhi stated that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi weren't in favor of her becoming the Prime Minister. Both children had still not recovered from the deep trauma of losing their grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and their father, Rajiv Gandhi. When Sonia mentioned that she wouldn't become the PM, Rahul and Priyanka heaved a sigh of relief, while sonia noted that even before the elections, Rahul and Priyanka had raised this possibility, and back then too, she had denied the prospect of becoming the PM, although immense turmoil was raging within her on the matter.

Children's fear and intense pressure from leaders

The book outlines how Rahul and Priyanka were fearful due to the assassinations of their grandmother and father. They asked if she would become the PM, to which Sonia had replied 'Absolutely not'. Only then did Rahul and Priyanka breathe a sigh of relief. However, under tremendous pressure from party leaders, Sonia Gandhi muttered 'Alright' in a low voice. Recalling the conversation held shortly before the Lok Sabha elections, Sonia Gandhi noted according to PTI, that a few months prior to the polls, she had discussed this possibility with her children, asking if they win, should she accept the post. ', she stressed that she was completely clear on the matter.

The 10 Janpath meeting and the reaction of Rahul and Priyanka

Sonia Gandhi further revealed details of a meeting at her 10 Janpath residence where, under pressure from leaders, she muttered a barely audible 'Alright'. Sonia Gandhi recounted that Priyanka was standing just outside the room. Hearing the response, Priyanka burst into tears and ran inside the house to find Rahul, telling him that their mother had accepted the leaders' demand. Rahul asked, 'Why did she do that! ' She replied, 'They weren't ready to listen to me. I don't want to do this, you know I don't want to. ' Rahul asked, 'Pressure? You're being pressured? ' He walked away with an angry face. Then Priyanka said, 'Look Ma, you've always been clear about this. Don't succumb to anyone's pressure. Make the decision you planned.

This detailed narrative within the autobiography provides a comprehensive look at the family dynamics and the intense political pressures that ultimately shaped one of the most significant decisions in contemporary Indian political history, preventing Sonia Gandhi from accepting the highest executive office in the country despite the electoral victory of her party in 2004.