Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has revealed an unexpected common ground with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in her memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love. Despite their contrasting political ideologies and differences over India's future, Gandhi acknowledged that she could understand Modi's discomfort with the privileged ruling elite.
In her memoir, released on November 10, Sonia Gandhi recalled that she too had often felt uncomfortable among influential political circles in Delhi. She said discussions in privileged drawing rooms frequently appeared disconnected from the struggles and realities of ordinary Indians, which she had witnessed during her visits to different parts of the country and her political constituency.
Referring to Modi's political journey, Gandhi acknowledged that he had risen to power within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from an underprivileged background. However, she also questioned whether his personal origins were as modest as portrayed by his public relations team.
Gandhi further wrote that she had practically no personal interaction with Modi despite his more than 12 years in office. Their meetings have largely been limited to formal occasions, where they exchange greetings. She also claimed that Modi tends to avoid eye contact during their encounters.
Describing their political differences, Gandhi said their rivalry was ideological rather than personal. She associated her vision of India with inclusiveness, secularism and social justice, while acknowledging that Modi follows a very different political and ideological vision.
Her revelations have drawn attention to the personal and political observations contained in her memoir.
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