Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has offered an unprecedented glimpse into the complex dynamics of the Nehru-Gandhi family, detailing her 'bitter feud' with sister-in-law Maneka Gandhi in her newly released memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. The book, published recently, sheds light on the personal and political rifts that ultimately led to a significant split within one of India's most prominent political families.
Early Dynamics and Emerging Tensions
Gandhi recounts Maneka's arrival into the family following her marriage to Sanjay Gandhi in 1974. Initially, Maneka's youthful enthusiasm was a welcome addition to the household. However, this early harmony soon gave way to growing irritations and disagreements.
Sonia Gandhi notes that while she initially viewed herself and Maneka as equals, her sister-in-law seemingly perceived their relationship differently. She describes instances where Maneka's rude remarks were met with Sonia's silence in an effort to maintain peace, though she would occasionally respond curtly when pushed too far.
Sanjay and Rajiv's Growing Discord
The memoir also highlights increasing tensions between Sanjay and Rajiv Gandhi, exacerbated by Maneka's growing involvement in Sanjay's political activities. Sonia Gandhi recalls heated arguments between Sanjay and Maneka, noting Maneka's use of expletives even in the presence of Indira Gandhi, which embarrassed Sanjay and shocked the family.
A particularly poignant moment described is a confrontation where Rajiv blamed Sanjay for political setbacks faced by their mother, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating, "I cannot forgive you, Sanjay, you have brought Ma to this pass." Indira Gandhi herself corroborated Rajiv's sentiment, questioning Sanjay's unilateral decisions. Maneka's intervention in this discussion further strained relations.
Post-Sanjay Era and Deepening Divisions
The differences within the family became starker following Sanjay Gandhi's tragic death in an aircraft crash on June 23, 1980. The memoir suggests that Maneka's mother encouraged her to seek a political role, a move that Indira Gandhi felt was premature for the then 23-year-old widow, who was also caring for her infant son, Feroze Varun Gandhi.
Further incidents, such as Maneka celebrating Varun's first birthday at the residence of Vasundhara Raje – whose family had political differences with the Congress – and the subsequent sale of Maneka's 'Surya' magazine to a member of the RSS, were seen by Indira Gandhi as deliberate challenges that irrevocably deepened the rift.
Maneka's Departure and Public Spectacle
The memoir culminates with Indira Gandhi confronting Maneka over her political activities, offering her a choice between changing course or leaving the family home. Sonia Gandhi alleges that Maneka responded with a letter full of accusations, seemingly designed to publicly damage Indira Gandhi's reputation.
Sonia Gandhi describes Maneka's eventual departure as a manipulated "propaganda circus," where she publicly blamed Indira, Rajiv, and Sonia for her exit, transforming what was a private family matter into what Gandhi terms a "reality show."