Sonia Gandhi Reflects on Strained Relations with Menaka Gandhi in New Book

New Delhi, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Congress Parliamentary Party, has opened up about her relationship with Menaka Gandhi in her new book, “Belonging: A Journey of Love.” She recounts how Menaka’s arrival into the Gandhi family was initially a refreshing experience, but tensions soon arose, leading to Menaka leaving the family home.

In her memoir, Sonia describes meeting Menaka in late 1973. At the time, Menaka was a vibrant and energetic young woman, significantly younger than her husband, Sanjay Gandhi. Within a year, they were married, and Menaka became part of the Gandhi family at just 18 years old.

Sonia recalls that Menaka was cheerful and sociable, often filling their home with laughter. Her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi, would listen intently to Menaka’s stories. However, over time, the atmosphere in the household began to shift, with increasing tension over minor issues.

Sonia notes that the household staff referred to them as “bahurani” and “choti bahu,” while Indira Gandhi treated them as daughters. Menaka, however, seemed to have a different perspective. When Menaka spoke to Sonia in a curt manner, Sonia often chose silence to maintain peace, though she sometimes felt compelled to respond.

As disagreements between Sanjay and Menaka escalated, the conflict began to affect other family members. Sonia mentions that Menaka occasionally used language that was deemed unacceptable by the family, causing discomfort among them. The disciplined environment of the joint family might have felt stifling to Menaka, who began participating in political events with Sanjay, where she felt more at ease.

Sonia claims that Menaka’s influence started to create rifts between Sanjay and his brother, Rajiv Gandhi, who had once been very close. Following the electoral defeat after the Emergency, discussions arose within the family about Sanjay’s role, leading to a significant confrontation between Rajiv and Sanjay.

Sonia recounts a tense family discussion where Rajiv expressed his inability to forgive Sanjay for the turmoil caused to their mother, Indira Gandhi. This period marked a further decline in Menaka’s relationship with the family, as she adopted a more oppositional stance and began sharing negative sentiments about them with the press.

The situation worsened after Sanjay’s tragic death in a plane crash on June 23, 1980. Supporters of Sanjay sought to elevate Menaka’s role in politics, but Indira believed she was too young and inexperienced at just 23.

In March 1981, tensions peaked when Menaka celebrated her son’s first birthday at the home of Vasundhara Raje, considered a political rival to Indira. Upon returning from London, Indira expressed her displeasure, urging Menaka to either distance herself from certain activities or leave the family home.

Sonia reveals that Menaka subsequently began removing her belongings from the house. After a series of accusations, Menaka decided to leave, claiming the situation had been portrayed as a public scandal. Sonia and Rajiv were not present during the unfolding events, yet they were still blamed.

In her book, Sonia likens the portrayal of these events to a reality show, highlighting the sensationalism surrounding their family drama. She also mentions a subsequent legal dispute over Menaka’s visitation rights with Feroze Varun Gandhi, which further complicated their relationship.