Sonia Gandhi Reveals Why She Declined Prime Minister’s Post in 2004

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has recalled the emotional dilemma she faced after the party’s victory in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, when she decided not to become Prime Minister. In her autobiography, Belonging: A Journey of Love, released on Tuesday, she shared personal experiences from her family life and political journey, including the reasons behind declining the top post. Sonia said she had made up her mind several months before the elections and had also informed her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Having witnessed the assassinations of their grandmother Indira Gandhi and father Rajiv Gandhi, her children did not want her to become Prime Minister, as they feared it could put their family at risk. However, she kept her decision private during the election campaign, focusing instead on keeping the Congress united and avoiding leadership-related disagreements that could affect the party’s prospects.

Sonia said that after the election results, when the Congress-led alliance was preparing to form the government, she faced considerable pressure from party leaders to accept the Prime Minister’s post. Although she initially agreed under pressure, her children expressed deep concern about the decision. She also recalled worrying about the political controversies that could arise over her foreign origins. After hours of internal conflict, she decided to follow her instincts and decline the position. At the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting the following day, she reiterated her decision and proposed Manmohan Singh as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Sonia said she believed Singh’s long experience in government, neutral position within the party and leadership qualities made him the right choice. She also expressed confidence that the country would be in safe hands under his leadership.