Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Sparks Political Row Over India’s History

A new political controversy has erupted in India following the release of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Gandhi of attempting to downplay historical controversies involving the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Released on Tuesday, the book traces her journey from her early life in Italy and student years in England to becoming part of one of India’s most influential political families.

BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan criticised the memoir, citing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the Emergency imposed in 1975 under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He alleged that the book attempts to soften the historical record of these events. In response, Congress leaders accused the BJP of politicising a personal memoir. In the book, Sonia describes the 1984 riots as a tragic and shameful chapter, acknowledges failures in governance and delayed justice, and defends her husband Rajiv Gandhi against allegations of complicity.

The memoir’s release comes ahead of important state elections, adding to tensions between the BJP and Congress. The book has generated widespread discussion on social media, reflecting India’s political divisions. Despite its price of 1,299 rupees, Belonging topped Amazon India’s bestseller list on Wednesday. The publication has attracted considerable attention, with newspapers also releasing excerpts covering major events in India’s political history over the past five decades.

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