New Delhi: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has revealed that her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, did not want her to become Prime Minister after the Congress-led alliance won the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. The revelation appears in her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, which offers a personal account of one of the most significant political decisions of her career.
According to Sonia Gandhi, she had discussed the possibility of becoming Prime Minister with her children several months before the 2004 elections. When asked whether she would accept the position if the Congress party came to power, she reportedly responded with a firm no.
She explained that Rahul and Priyanka were deeply affected by the assassinations of their grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and their father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Having experienced these family tragedies, both children were concerned about the risks associated with their mother holding the country’s highest political office. They considered themselves her protectors and did not want her to take on the position.
Decision Was Made Before the 2004 Elections
Sonia Gandhi has clarified that her decision to decline the Prime Minister’s position was not made suddenly after the election results. She had already made up her mind before the elections but kept her views private to avoid creating internal disagreements within the Congress party.
At the time, the Congress was attempting to return to power after a difficult political period. Sonia Gandhi believed that openly discussing her decision could create a leadership struggle within the party and affect its electoral prospects.
She also acknowledged that she was internally conflicted. While one part of her strongly opposed becoming Prime Minister, another felt responsible towards the Congress workers and voters who had supported the party.
Pressure from Alliance Leaders
In her memoir, Sonia Gandhi also describes the events that followed the Congress-led alliance’s electoral victory.
According to her account, several alliance leaders visited her residence to persuade her to accept the Prime Minister’s position. Despite her reluctance, the leaders continued urging her to reconsider.
She recalls that the discussion became emotionally overwhelming when some leaders surrounded her and insisted that they would not accept her refusal. Under pressure, she briefly responded with the words “Theek Hai”, which the leaders interpreted as her agreement to take the position.
However, the situation changed when Rahul and Priyanka learned what had happened. Rahul questioned his mother about agreeing to become Prime Minister despite having previously expressed her opposition. Priyanka also encouraged her to stand by her original decision rather than give in to pressure.
The incident made Sonia Gandhi reconsider her response and reaffirm the decision she had made before the elections. The Indian Express+1
Manmohan Singh Was Chosen to Lead the Government
Sonia Gandhi eventually decided to stand by her original position. She said she believed the country needed an experienced leader with a strong understanding of governance and an unquestionable record of integrity.
She chose former Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to lead the government. According to her memoir, she considered him capable of providing stable leadership and believed that the country would be in safe hands under his leadership.
On May 18, 2004, Sonia Gandhi publicly declined the Prime Minister’s position at a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party. She subsequently proposed Manmohan Singh’s name as her successor. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on May 22, 2004. NDTV+1
An Emotional Moment for Congress Leaders
Sonia Gandhi also describes the emotional atmosphere surrounding her announcement. Several Congress leaders were reportedly disappointed by her decision, with some becoming emotional and urging her to reconsider.
Despite their reactions, she remained firm and explained that becoming Prime Minister had never been her personal ambition. She said her priorities were defending the country’s secular foundations, working for the poor and continuing the political principles associated with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Her memoir provides a personal account of the discussions, family concerns and political pressure surrounding her decision, offering a closer look at an important moment in India’s political history. The Indian Express+1
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