Sonia Gandhi Addresses Democratic Integrity, Political Compromises, and India’s Future Ahead of Memoir Launch

Ahead of the release of her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi highlighted the severe damage inflicted on India’s democratic fabric and constitutional institutions under the current BJP governance. Reflecting on over six decades in India, she discussed key political decisions, including her refusal of the prime ministership in 2004, while asserting that opposition parties are regaining strength to restore democratic norms. Her reflections underscore a steadfast commitment to secular values, party resilience, and constitutional rights despite ongoing political challenges.

RMN News Political Desk
New Delhi | November 7, 2026

Sonia Gandhi Reflects on Democratic Integrity, Political Milestones, and Her Journey in India

As her upcoming memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love (published by HarperCollins India), prepares for launch, veteran leader and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi shared wide-ranging reflections on her personal history, core values, and the state of Indian democracy. In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Gandhi addressed critical political turning points, historical challenges, and her perspective on the current ruling dispensation.

Critique of Contemporary Governance and Institutional Health

A central focus of Gandhi’s reflections is her assessment of the contemporary political landscape in India. Expressing deep concern over public institutions and democratic norms, she stated that significant damage has been done over the past twelve years to the democratic fabric, constitutional framework, and institutional integrity of the nation.

Gandhi observed a growing restlessness among citizens regarding authoritarian tendencies, the erosion of parliamentary decorum, and political torment aimed at dissenting voices. Despite these hurdles, she expressed optimism that the public will actively support a return to balanced and decorous governance, noting that restoring institutions back to health will require sustained effort from all political parties once the current government changes.

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Core Values, Secularism, and Lessons from History

Reflecting on her arrival in India as a young bride six decades ago, Gandhi credited Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi with shaping her commitment to secularism, democratic principles, and public duty. She emphasized that the Congress Party has consistently stood for the constitutional right of all citizens to practice their faith without fear, rejecting any internal or external suggestions to compromise on secular values.

Addressing historical events, Gandhi spoke candidly about the Emergency period of 1975 to 1977, describing it as an indisputably dark chapter in independent India’s history marked by the suspension of fundamental rights. She noted that while violent protests and public unrest created severe pressure at the time, Indira Gandhi ultimately recognized the gravity of the situation, called for elections in March 1977, and later publicly expressed regret for excesses committed during that period.

Pivotal Political Decisions and Coalition Compromises

Gandhi detailed major political decisions that shaped her career, including taking charge of the Congress presidency in 1998 despite personal hurt caused by colleagues questioning her foreign origins. She explained that her dedication to a larger public purpose compelled her to continue leading the party.

On her unexpected decision in 2004 to decline the post of Prime Minister—paving the way for Dr. Manmohan Singh—Gandhi reaffirmed that she has no regrets. She described their division of responsibility, with Dr. Singh heading the government and herself leading the party, as a successful and positive partnership. Regarding political alliances, she acknowledged that coalition politics sometimes required difficult compromises with ideological partners, but maintained that the party never compromised, and will never compromise, with the ideology of the BJP and the RSS.

Resilience of the Opposition and Future Prospects

Discussing the state of the Congress Party, Gandhi rejected pessimistic assessments regarding its future. She pointed to an unlevel playing field characterized by financial disparities, media influence, and pressure on key regulatory bodies. However, she affirmed that Congress leaders and grassroots workers continue to demonstrate resilience across villages and districts to uphold constitutional values. Working alongside coalition partners, Gandhi noted that public awareness is rising and opposition prospects are steadily improving.