New Delhi: In his new memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi gives an insight into a fascinating discussion she had with former President Pranab Mukherjee in 2010. She recalled how Mukherjee, then a senior Congress leader and Union Minister, had mentioned that ‘Change at the Top’ may be necessary, hinting at his long-held aspiration to be Prime Minister.
Sonia Gandhi’s memoir was released recently nationwide. She has described her memoir as a deeply personal one and said she wants to give a “truthful account” of her family.
The memoir details Sonia Gandhi’s thoughts on her political career, family bonds and the workings of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government between 2004 to 2014. The memoir also highlights some interesting insights into her discussions with Pranab Mukherjee.
Pranab Mukherjee’s ‘Change at the Top’ Comment in 2010
She detailed how during the UPA government there was a small “inner circle” who would meet every week with then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
This group consisted of Pranab Mukherjee who had been a Minister during Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet in the 1970s, former Chief Ministers Arjun Singh (Madhya Pradesh), A.K. Antony (Kerala) and Ahmed Patel.
There was also another group known as the Strategy Group who would meet regularly to discuss issues they wanted to raise in Parliament. Mukherjee was involved in these meetings and would sometimes stay behind for informal chats with Sonia.
Sonia detailed how she had seen Pranab develop serious disagreements with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. In 2010 after venting his frustrations, he surprised her by saying:
“He (Pranab) had developed serious differences with the Finance Minister P Chidambaram, and on one occasion, in 2010, I think after expressing his frustration, he shocked me with the suggestion that perhaps it was time for a change at the top, which I understood as a hint of his long-held desire to become Prime Minister.”
Sonia stated how she moved the topic onto something else. However, although he may have been disappointed he never made her feel like he held anything against her.
Congress Nominated Pranab Mukherjee as President in 2012
Sonia Gandhi also mentioned how the Congress eventually nominated Pranab Mukherjee as the United Progressives Alliances presidential candidate.
He went on to win the presidential elections and became the 13th President of India.
Throughout their time together, Sonia would often visit him to have discussions with the experienced politician.
Sonia Gandhi Responds to Claims of Being a ‘Backseat Driver’
Another highly significant section of the memoir discusses the claims that Sonia Gandhi was the true power behind the throne during Manmohan Singh’s time as Prime Minister between 2004 to 2014.
Throughout the UPA government, Sonia was constantly attacked by opposition leaders and sections of the media for being a ‘Backseat Driver’.
In her memoir she detailed how throughout this time there were numerous reports in the media. Some of these were fuelled by those close to the Prime Minister.
Sonia states that she was very clear about her role as President of Congress and Manmohan Singh’s role as Prime Minister. Whilst she could provide him with her views and ideas or disagree with his decisions, she felt it was her duty to let him take charge.
Sonia Gandhi Denies Interfering in PMO and Government Files
Sonia also responds to claims that she meddled in administration, asked to see government files from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and had an influence on key government appointments.
She mentioned how a book was published a decade later by one of Manmohan Singh’s former aides and it repeated the untrue claims made by her political opponents.
She explains how the claims that she had requested files from the PMO and had meddled in government were heartbreaking for her.
“Though I had been the subject of worse accusations over the years, the fabrication that distressed me most was that I was looking into official files something improper for anyone outside the government. I had always been particular about adhering to rules, all the more so during this period.”
She goes onto say that the PMO have made a statement which clearly states that they have never shown her any official files.
Sonia also mentions comments made by Manmohan Singh’s daughter Upinder Singh who criticised the book.
Upinder said the book was “nothing but a stab in the back” and “a huge betrayal of trust”. She labelled the book as being a “mischievous, unethical exercise”.
She also explained how their relationship was built on “mutual trust and respect”.
Despite this, Sonia states how the opposition and sections of media continued to use these claims to portray her as the power behind the Prime Minister.
Throughout Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia Gandhi looks back on the controversies and provides her take on the personal relationships, political experiences and decisions she made whilst in the public eye.