Sonia Gandhi

MP, Lok Sabha

Birth DetailsDecember 09, 1946 | Lusiana, Veneto region, Italy

NationalityIndian

LeaguePolitician

EducationCertificate course in English language from Cambridge, UK

Sonia Gandhi’s Journey so far ...

Despite being a part of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Sonia Gandhi maintained her distance from politics for a long time
Gandhi established the eponymous NGO Rajiv Gandhi Foundation after the assassination of her husband in 1991
She became a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1997
In April 1998, she was elected as the president of the Congress party
Gandhi won the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) in 1999 and, subsequently, became the leader of the Opposition in the Lower House
In September 2001, the Supreme Court ruled that Sonia Gandhi was an Indian citizen, by virtue of the certificate granted to her under Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act. It also upheld her election to the Lok Sabha from Amethi in 1999
In 2004, she was elected as the Member of Parliament from Rae Bareli and owing to her campaigning efforts, Congress also won the highest number of seats in the general elections that year. Congress, along with other parties, created the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and formed a coalition government at the Centre. Despite being the president of the party, Gandhi declined the post of prime ministership and Manmohan Singh was sworn-in as the PM
After the UPA government was formed, she became the chairperson of the coalition as well as the National Advisory Council
Following a controversy, she resigned from her posts in the Lok Sabha and NAC but was re-elected soon after
She was re-elected to the Lok Sabha from the Rae Bareli constituency in 2009. The UPA also formed government at the Centre for a second consecutive term that year
Gandhi won the Lok Sabha elections again in 2014
She stepped down as the leader of the Congress in 2017 and was succeeded by her son Rahul Gandhi
Gandhi returned as the interim president of the party in 2019 after her son resigned
During the UPA regime of 2004-2014, she provided a steady hand to keep the coalition together, steering sensitivities of UPA partners from Tamil Nadu to West Bengal
She struck compromises like caste census to win friends for the government and forced the party to play second fiddle to allies on testy grounds like Bengal, but was also smart to get rid of RJD and SP to let the party attempt revival in UP and Bihar
She guided the Manmohan Singh government in crafting three most important policies: a flagship rural jobs scheme (MNREGA), a loan waiver for farmers and the Right to Information Act
Gandhi’s uninterrupted 19-year stint at the helm of the grand old party of India is a record. The period also saw the party face the worst electoral drubbings too: 114 seats in 1999 and 44 seats in 2014
She reinforced her position in the Congress by travelling widely across India to mobilise the party, acquiring the “Soniamma” image among women and poor

Before you go ...

Sonia Gandhi was raised in a traditional Roman Catholic household near Turin in Italy
Her husband Rajiv Gandhi served as the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989 and was assassinated in 1991. Her mother-in-law Indira Gandhi has also been the PM of India and was the first woman to hold the post. Her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi are members of the Congress and are active in politics
She took lessons in Hindi before venturing into Parliament
Gandhi is the author of the books Rajiv's World, Two Alone, Two Together, Indira Gandhi: Selected Sayings, etc.
Forbes magazine ranked her as the third most powerful woman in 2007. She featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people list in 2007 and 2008
She played a pivotal role on October 2 being declared as the International Day of Non-Violence by the UN
For her inscrutable image, she has also been called the “Sphinx” of Indian politics

Last Updated: 28/09/2021

Sonia Gandhi News

Amit Shah reacts to Cong's ‘exit poll boycott’; they can't face the media...Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah says, "...Congress has been in denial mode for so long...the whole election they kept campaigning that they are going to get the majority but they know the situation that...in the coming exit polls, it will be their massive defeat so they can't face the media. Therefore, they are boycotting the entire exit poll exercise...exit polls have been happening for a long time but this time, because of the defeat, they don't know how to explain and that's why they are boycotting. Since Rahul Gandhi has taken in charge of Congress, they are in denial mode..."Amit Shah reacts to Cong's ‘exit poll boycott’; they can't face the media...
Barbs, name calling and more: Campaign 2024 discourse went down path of insultsAs Election 2024 approaches, political rivals in India have been using various insults and sarcasm to criticize each other. Rahul Gandhi called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'puppet king' of 'tempo billionaires' over his remarks on the Congress receiving cash loaded in tempos from Adani and Ambani. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lashed out at Modi over his speeches at election rallies, claiming the language he used suggests he is not a 'vishwa guru' but a 'vish guru'.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Journey, The Drama, The Verdict on economictimes.comStay Ahead with ET: Real-Time Election Results and Analysis on economictimes.comLok Sabha Elections 2024: The Journey, The Drama, The Verdict on economictimes.com
Teesri baar Modi sarkar, or a twist in the tale? What ground reports from Varanasi suggestAmidst the bustling streets of Varanasi, a resounding chant of 'Teesri Baar Modi Sarkar' fills the air as Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for another electoral triumph. With the city's fervent backing, PM Modi now sets his sights on a historic goal: securing a staggering 5 lakh votes. Let's delve into Kashi's political fervour and the PM's ambitious electoral strategy.
108 public meetings, roadshows, over 100 media bytes: Priyanka Gandhi's campaign in 2024 Lok Sabha pollsCongress' star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi concluded her marathon election campaign for the Lok Sabha polls with a massive roadshow in Himachal Pradesh's Solan after addressing 108 public meetings, media interactions, and interviews in 55 days.
Without movies, we'd be so ignorantCinema, in its various forms, is a powerful medium that has long provided glimpses into worlds beyond our immediate surroundings. Before the internet and streaming services, films like "King Kong" (1933) introduced audiences worldwide to the Empire State Building. Similarly, "Life of Brian" (1979) brought the story of the 'other' messiah to light, and "Gandhi" (1982) educated many about Mahatma Gandhi and Nathuram Godse. These films amplified stories and historical figures, showcasing cinema's vital role in advocacy and mass communication.
LS poll campaign ends: Keep an eye on polling booths and strong rooms, says Rahul GandhiToday, on the last day of campaigning, I bow before the great people of the country and confidently say to the workers of Congress that the government of India is going to be formed.I heartily thank all the leaders and workers of the alliance who stood without bowing down to save the constitution and institutions of the country.We were successful in fighting the elections on real issues related to the people and despite the repeated attempts of the Prime Minister to mislead, we raised the voice of farmers, workers, youth, women and the deprived.Together, we presented revolutionary guarantees that will change the lives of every section in the form of an alternative vision to the country and took our message to every corner.I appeal to all of you to keep an eye on the polling booths and strong rooms till the last moment.LS poll campaign ends: Keep an eye on polling booths and strong rooms, says Rahul Gandhi
Rahul, Priyanka notch up 107 and 108 rallies, roadshows respectively as Lok Sabha poll campaign endsPriyanka Gandhi also ran a spirited campaign by taking part in 108 public meetings and roadshows, they said, adding that she also gave more than 100 media bytes, one TV interview and five print interviews during her marathon election campaign. Priyanka Gandhi camped in Rae Bareli and spearheaded the party's campaign there and in adjacent Amethi for about two weeks.
Police complaint filed against PM Modi over Mahatma Gandhi remarksNational Award-winning filmmaker Luit Kumar Barman has filed a police complaint against PM Narendra Modi for allegedly making derogatory comments about Mahatma Gandhi. Barman filed the complaint in Guwahati, stating that Modi's remarks comparing Gandhi to a film were unacceptable and defamatory. The police are conducting a preliminary investigation, and no FIR has been registered yet.
S&P Global Ratings' report on India stamp of authority on success of Centre's policies: BJPS&P Global Ratings' positive outlook reflects Modi's policies, BJP confident in victory, while opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized for lack of vision.
PM Modi would have got tough fight from Priyanka Gandhi in Varanasi, feel Congress workersVaranasi's political landscape heats up as Congress workers suggest a potential challenge for PM Modi if Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contested. With various candidates in the fray, including Ajay Rai and Athar Jamal Lari, the election dynamics in the holy city remain intriguing.
Martin Luther King Jr., Mandela, Einstein took inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi: Rahul GandhiDuring a political event in Odisha's Balasore district, Rahul Gandhi highlighted how influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Albert Einstein drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that the world solely learned about Gandhi through a film. Rahul Gandhi also slammed RSS affiliates for their lack of understanding of Gandhi's principles and emphasised the global impact of Gandhi's legacy on various movements and individuals.
India bloc govt will waive farm loans, scrap Agniveer scheme: Rahul GandhiAddressing an election rally at Simulia in Bhadrak Lok Sabha seat, Gandhi vowed to save the Constitution and democracy and announced that the INDIA bloc government would legalise MSP on foodgrains, waive farm loans and scrap the Agniveer scheme.
BJP has insulted people of Odisha, Lord Jagannath: Rahul GandhiRahul Gandhi accused BJP of insulting Odisha by claiming Lord Jagannath is a devotee of PM Modi. He vowed to protect India's Constitution and democracy, emphasizing the unbreakable nature of the Constitution.
Delhi man dies of heatstroke after fever spiked to 107 F. Understanding symptomsA 40-year-old man in Delhi succumbed to heat stroke at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi. He was admitted to the Heat Stroke Unit with a body temperature exceeding 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Heatstroke is a critical condition resulting from prolonged high temperatures or intense exercise in hot weather, causing the body's temperature to reach 104 °F (40°C) or higher. Immediate emergency treatment is necessary to prevent severe damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, potentially leading to serious complications or death.
INDIA bloc to pick PM within 48 hours, party with maximum seats 'natural claimant' to leadership: Jairam RameshCongress leader Jairam Ramesh discusses the potential inclusion of NDA allies like JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu in the INDIA bloc post Lok Sabha polls.
'Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne', Devendra Fadnavis mocks Rahul Gandhi’s claims of INDIA bloc forming govt on June 4Varanasi (UP): While reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims of INDIA bloc forming government on June 4, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis called such claims 'Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne'. He said, “When I was a child, there used to be a serial called 'Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne'. Like Mungerilal, Rahul Gandhi can also dream. He can dream till June 4 and even become the President of the US. People are with PM Modi.”'Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne', Devendra Fadnavis mocks Rahul Gandhi’s claims of INDIA bloc forming govt on June 4
We will form commission, waive farmer loans as many times required: Rahul Gandhi in PunjabRahul Gandhi criticizes BJP for working for billionaires, not providing legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price, and promising to bring a legal guarantee for MSP and a 'farmer-friendly' crop insurance policy if INDIA alliance government is formed.
In Punjab, drug problem 'exists even today, increasing', says Rahul GandhiRahul Gandhi, addressing a rally in Ludhiana, highlighted the Congress's promises for Punjab, including the Mahalakshmi scheme and farm loan waivers. He also emphasized the need for strict action against the drug problem in Punjab, which he said was increasing. Gandhi criticized the BJP government, accusing it of wanting to change or scrap the Constitution if it wins the election and of benefiting big businesses at the expense of small traders and businesses. He also criticized the Agnipath scheme, calling it an insult to the army, and promised to repeal it if Congress comes to power.
SBI to sell guarantees of Reliance Naval promoterThe bank, in a notice on its website, said that it has principal outstanding dues of Rs 1,160 crore and total dues of Rs 3,512 crore, as of May 31, 2024. The bank stated that it is seeking to assign the residual debt along with the guarantee. Nikhil Gandhi and his brother Bhavesh Gandhi have provided personal guarantees while SKIL Infrastructure provided corporate guarantees on the loan.
Third Eye: Platform for promise, ‘Khatakhat’, ‘Fatafat’, and breathless teamCongress' pledge to credit ₹8,500 to BPL women under the Mahalakshmi scheme in UP sparks debate. Rahul Gandhi's 'khatakhat' phrase gains traction. AAP leaders Kejriwal and Mann campaign intensely in Punjab, facing logistical hurdles.
Mani Shankar Aiyar triggers fresh row with 'Chinese allegedly invaded India in 1962' remarkCongress leader and former Union Minister triggered a fresh controversy during a public event in Delhi. INC leader Mani Shankar Aiyar referred to the 1962 Indo-China war as an “alleged Chinese invasion”. Addressing the press conference on May 28, Aiyar said, "In October 1962, the Chinese allegedly invaded India”. Controversy's favourite child, Mani Shankar Aiyar has made several comments that put Congress in a spot. Aiyar had stated that ‘India must enter a dialogue with Pakistan and respect them as they possess an ‘atom bomb’.Mani Shankar Aiyar triggers fresh row with 'Chinese allegedly invaded India in 1962' remark
BJP policies have caused huge losses to small businesses: Priyanka GandhiPriyanka Gandhi criticised BJP for causing losses to small businesses through policies like demonetization and GST during a rally in support of Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh in Mandi. She spoke about the high unemployment rate and pledged to strengthen small businesses if elected. She accused BJP of favoring big billionaires over small enterprises. She also criticised the Agniveer scheme for not providing martyr status to soldiers.
Choice between those who constructed Ram Temple and those who opened fire at Ram bhakts: Amit ShahUnion home minister Amit Shah criticized opposition parties for blaming EVMs, expressed confidence in BJP's majority. He questioned the opposition's lack of a clear PM candidate and emphasized India's stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Shah also promised a new mega sugar mill in Maharajganj if BJP returns to power.
Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Sidhu Moose Wala on Punjabi singer's death anniversaryCongress leader Rahul Gandhi while campaigning in Punjab ahead of last phase of 18th Lok Sabha was seen paying tribute to Sidhu Moosewala on death anniversary of the Punjabi singer. Ahead of the death anniversary of the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, his village in Punjab's Mansa district honored the cherished artist with statues, busts, and photographs. However, considering the ongoing elections and the high temperatures, Sidhu Moosewala's father, Balkaur Singh, opted for a modest program. He urged that only villagers and family members participate in the event.
Load more

DisclaimerThe content of this page has been aggregated from multiple websites. Some information can change over the passage of time.