Sonia Gandhi explains decision to decline prime minister post in 2004
In her new memoir, the Congress leader details why she chose Manmohan Singh to lead the UPA government.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has detailed her decision to refuse the prime minister post following the 2004 Lok Sabha election victory of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). According to reports by the Times of India and Deccan Chronicle, Gandhi's memoir, titled Belonging: A Journey of Love, describes the internal and external pressures she faced during that period.
The memoir reveals that Gandhi initially told her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, that she would not accept the position. However, after the alliance won, leaders met at her 10, Janpath residence and pressured her to lead. Gandhi stated she eventually mumbled 'Theek hai' (All right) due to the insistence of the leaders, which caused distress to her daughter.
After retreating to her room to reflect, Gandhi decided to stick to her original stance. She informed Rahul Gandhi of her decision, who supported her choice. She then returned to the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting to announce her decision to the members.
Gandhi explained that she chose Dr Manmohan Singh as prime minister because of his integrity and understanding of governance. She noted that his experience as finance minister would reassure people regarding economic policies, especially since the government was supported by Communist parties. Although Singh initially declined, he was eventually persuaded to accept the role.
The 526-page book, published by HarperCollins India, also covers Gandhi's journey from Italy to her entry into Indian politics.