Sonia went from 'absolutely not' to 'theek hai' to firm no while deciding on taking up PM post
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi reveals in her memoir that she declined the Indian prime ministership in 2004 due to personal trauma and family concerns. Her children, Rahul and Priyanka, were strongly opposed to her taking the role, fearing for her safety following the assassinations of their grandmother and father.
Why it matters
This provides historical insight into a pivotal moment in Indian politics, clarifying the internal motivations behind a decision that shaped the country's leadership trajectory.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi initially rejected the idea of becoming prime minister, later gave a hesitant "theek hai" when alliance leaders pressed her to accept the post, but ultimately took a firm decision to turn it down.Her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were opposed to her becoming prime minister, having experienced the trauma of their grandmother Indira Gandhi's assassination and the brutal killing of their father, Rajiv Gandhi.However, the decision was far from straightforward, Sonia Gandhi writes in her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, released on Tuesday.
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