In a newly released memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," Congress leader Sonia Gandhi offers an intimate account of the intense personal and political struggles behind her momentous 2004 decision to decline the Prime Ministership of India. The book details the profound internal conflict, family discussions, and significant pressure from alliance partners that ultimately led to Dr. Manmohan Singh assuming the nation's top office.
The Internal Conundrum and Family Opposition
Gandhi reveals that the idea of becoming Prime Minister was met with an emphatic "Absolutely not!" months before the 2004 general elections. This stance was strongly supported by her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who expressed deep concerns rooted in the tragic assassinations of their grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and father, Rajiv Gandhi. They feared the heightened personal danger associated with the Prime Minister's office.
"They looked relieved and I, too, felt lighter, having said my views out loud on the question for the first time," Gandhi writes, reflecting on her initial conversation with her children.
Pressure Mounts from Alliance Leaders
Following the Congress-led alliance's unexpected victory, immense pressure mounted on Gandhi to reconsider. She describes being torn between her personal convictions and a powerful sense of responsibility towards party workers and supporters who had placed their faith in her leadership. "One minute I was clear, the next, I was torn," she recalls.
During a crucial meeting with alliance leaders, the refusal was met with forceful resistance. Leaders insisted she could not decline, with one stating, "We will not accept this," and another adding, "You cannot take this decision, Madam." Overwhelmed, Gandhi says she eventually mumbled a reluctant "theek hai" (all right), which was immediately interpreted as acceptance by the congratulating leaders.
A Night of Turmoil and a Firm Resolution
News of her reluctant agreement reached her children, leading to a heated exchange with Rahul Gandhi, who thundered, "You said yes?" Priyanka urged her mother to stick to her original resolve, reminding her of her consistent stance. Retreating to her bedroom, Gandhi grappled with two competing internal voices: one questioning her suitability as an Italian-born leader of a billion-strong nation, and the other emphasizing her duty to a country that had embraced her.
By morning, clarity emerged. Gandhi informed Rahul, "I've made up my mind. I'm going to stick to my stand," a decision he embraced as "the right decision."
Why Manmohan Singh Was Chosen
With her decision firm, Gandhi faced the task of selecting a successor. She considered several senior Congress leaders but found Dr. Manmohan Singh to be uniquely qualified due to his impeccable integrity, vast administrative experience, and profound understanding of governance. Singh had previously served as Finance Minister in the early 1990s, spearheading India's pivotal economic reforms.
Gandhi highlights several key reasons for her choice:
- His reputation as a person "above reproach."
- His deep and consummate understanding of governance.
- His political neutrality, being "not allied to any camp in the party."
- His ability to reassure Communist allies regarding economic policy continuity.
- His remarkable personal journey and compassionate nature.
After consulting senior colleagues, Singh was privately approached. Though initially hesitant, he was eventually persuaded to accept the Prime Ministership. The formal announcement came in Parliament, where Gandhi declared she would follow her "inner voice" and humbly decline the post, subsequently nominating Dr. Manmohan Singh as the new leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party.
Dr. Singh went on to lead the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for a decade, while Sonia Gandhi continued to head the Congress party and its alliance.