News for 'Rajiv Gandhi'

Sonia Gandhi debuts on X, recalls how she met Rajiv in book preview

Sonia Gandhi debuts on X, recalls how she met Rajiv in book preview

Rediff.com24 Oct 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has made her debut on social media platform X, sharing a video about her upcoming memoir, "Belonging - a journey of love." In the video, she reminisces about meeting Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, describing him as gentle and good-looking, and shares details about their early romance. The book, set to launch on November 10, covers her life from childhood in Italy to her marriage, adaptation to India, family tragedies, and political journey.

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'When I met the prime minister, he asked me, "Dr Ganguly, what do you do with people in your company who lie to you?"' 'I said, "Prime Minister, we counsel them and give them a gentle warning. If they lie again, they are sacked".' '"This is my problem,'" Rajiv responded. "I can't sack people in government".' A revealing excerpt from former Hindustan Lever Chairman Dr Ashok S Ganguly's We Are Our Future: Reflections On Life.

No way Rajiv could have authorised 1984 anti-Sikh violence: Sonia

No way Rajiv could have authorised 1984 anti-Sikh violence: Sonia

Rediff.com1 days ago

In her memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', Sonia Gandhi describes the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as a 'tragic and shameful' chapter. She asserts that Rajiv Gandhi, despite being thrust into a moment of governmental failure, was inherently just and compassionate and could not have authorised the heinous acts. Gandhi also discusses the delay in army deployment and the ongoing struggle for justice for victims, noting that cases continue to drag on in courts.

'Mysterious foreigner': Kangana blames Sonia for Indira, Rajiv's death

'Mysterious foreigner': Kangana blames Sonia for Indira, Rajiv's death

Rediff.com15 hours ago

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, questioning her political rise and describing events surrounding the Gandhi family as "way too many coincidences." Ranaut, citing research for her film 'Emergency,' labelled Gandhi a "mysterious foreign national" and linked the deaths of Indira, Sanjay, and Rajiv Gandhi to Sonia's eventual leadership, accusing her of promoting foreign agendas.

Sonia questioned Rajiv on Shah Bano case, he said...

Sonia questioned Rajiv on Shah Bano case, he said...

Rediff.com20 hours ago

Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey Of Love," reveals her conversations with then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi regarding the controversial Shah Bano case and the escalating Ram Janmabhoomi dispute. The book details Rajiv's attempts to navigate these complex issues, his rationale behind decisions, and the political fallout, including criticism from the BJP and the eventual destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992. Gandhi also criticises the RSS's vision of a 'Hindu nation' and its impact on India's social fabric.

'They will kill you': When Sonia begged Rajiv not to become PM after Indira's assassination

'They will kill you': When Sonia begged Rajiv not to become PM after Indira's assassination

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sonia Gandhi's poignant new memoir offers an intimate and emotional look into the immediate aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination and Rajiv Gandhi's reluctant ascent to the prime ministership.

'I liked fireworks': Sonia Gandhi recalls Diwali celebrations

'I liked fireworks': Sonia Gandhi recalls Diwali celebrations

Rediff.com3 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi shared an Instagram video reminiscing about her family's Diwali celebrations at 1, Safdarjung Road, the former residence of Indira Gandhi. She recalled traditions like decorating the Ganesh statue, lighting diyas, enjoying firecrackers, and having Kashmiri food, alongside Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and granddaughter Miraya Vadra.

Sonia Gandhi 'can't go a day without dal chawal'

Sonia Gandhi 'can't go a day without dal chawal'

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Sonia Gandhi recently shared a video discussing her deep connection to food, revealing that 'dal chawal' is her comfort food and how a search for a good meal led her to meet Rajiv Gandhi. She also spoke about her love for various Indian cuisines, including Gujarati and Bengali food, and her initial struggles with Indian spices. The video was released shortly after her book, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," was launched.

Want Sonia Gandhi's memoir? Blinkit promises it in 8 minutes at Rs 849

Want Sonia Gandhi's memoir? Blinkit promises it in 8 minutes at Rs 849

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sonia Gandhi's new memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', is now available on the quick-commerce platform Blinkit for Rs 849, showcasing the platform's expansion beyond groceries into books. This move highlights the speed advantage of quick-commerce over traditional online retailers like Amazon, with Blinkit offering rapid delivery in select areas. The memoir, published by HarperCollins India, details Gandhi's life from Italy to her political career in India.

Rajiv, Sonia had a baby boy before Rahul

Rajiv, Sonia had a baby boy before Rahul

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," reveals for the first time her profound grief over the loss of her first child, a boy born prematurely in January 1969. The intensely personal account details the family's brief joy, the baby's subsequent death, and the difficult decision regarding his burial at Feroze Gandhi's farm in Mehrauli, alongside the emotional toll and public scrutiny she faced.

When Sonia Gandhi turned to Bhagavad Gita for answers

When Sonia Gandhi turned to Bhagavad Gita for answers

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sonia Gandhi's new book reveals her deep internal conflict and reluctance to enter politics after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. Despite her children's fierce opposition, she found guidance in the Bhagavad Gita, which helped her overcome her doubts and embrace her duty towards the Congress party amidst its challenging times in the late 1990s.

'Others told my story for decades, now it's my turn': Sonia Gandhi on memoir

'Others told my story for decades, now it's my turn': Sonia Gandhi on memoir

Rediff.com27 Oct 2026

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi announced her upcoming memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," set for release on November 10. Gandhi, who recently joined social media, stated that the book will present her personal account, correcting past narratives. The memoir's publication has already sparked controversy, with HarperCollins India taking over after an "impasse" with Penguin Random House India, amidst allegations of external pressure regarding editorial content. The book will cover her life from childhood in Italy to her political journey in India, including family tragedies and key political decisions.

Sonia Gandhi makes Instagram debut, shares 1st look of her memoir

Sonia Gandhi makes Instagram debut, shares 1st look of her memoir

Rediff.com22 Oct 2026

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has made her Instagram debut to announce her upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The book, set to be published by HarperCollins India on November 10, details her life from childhood in Italy to her political journey in India, including personal tragedies and her decision not to become prime minister in 2004. Her social media entry marks a significant shift, as she previously avoided such platforms. The memoir's publication also follows a controversy with its initial publisher, Penguin Random House India, over editorial differences.

Amply proved that many elections have been stolen: Sonia Gandhi

Amply proved that many elections have been stolen: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com4 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has alleged "great damage" to India's fabric, democracy, and institutions over the last 12 years, expressing optimism for a return to proper governance. In an interview, she also discussed the resilience of the Congress party against challenges and provided insights into her upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', which covers her personal life and political journey.

Keeping Sanjay Gandhi 'in check' could have...: Sonia on Emergency

Keeping Sanjay Gandhi 'in check' could have...: Sonia on Emergency

Rediff.com4 days ago

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, in her upcoming memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love," states that her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, considered the decision to impose the Emergency a mistake and eventually came to feel the same. Gandhi also suggests that keeping Sanjay Gandhi "in check" could have prevented much of the subsequent damage. She reveals family divisions over the decision, with Rajiv Gandhi opposing it and Sanjay Gandhi pushing for it. Sonia Gandhi further notes that Indira Gandhi later publicly expressed regret for the excesses during that period.

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

As Prabhakaran was leaving his house, Rajiv Gandhi called his son Rahul and asked him to fetch his (Gandhi's) bulletproof jacket. He put the jacket on Prabhakaran's back and remarked with his usual charming smile: "Take care of yourself."

Rajiv Gandhi failed twice but became PM: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rajiv Gandhi failed twice but became PM: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Responding to the controversy, Congress leader Harish Rawat refused to comment on Aiyar's remarks, dismissing him as a "frustrated individual."

Rajiv Gandhi-Bhindranwale meeting was called off twice

Rajiv Gandhi-Bhindranwale meeting was called off twice

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

A new book reveals former Congress MP Amarinder Singh's mission to arrange a meeting between Rajiv Gandhi and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the 1980s, along with other anecdotes.

'Before Rajiv Gandhi's Murder, No One Knew Suicide Bombers'

'Before Rajiv Gandhi's Murder, No One Knew Suicide Bombers'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

'The LTTE were the pioneers of that.'

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is set to release her memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in November. The book will cover her personal life, including her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, the tragedies she faced, her decision to decline the prime ministership in 2004, and her journey into politics. It promises an intimate look at her experiences within one of India's most powerful political families.

Four Held In Chennai Auto Driver Murder Case

Four Held In Chennai Auto Driver Murder Case

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Four individuals have been arrested in Chennai in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 27-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, Sivakumar. The attack, which occurred on November 10 evening, is believed to be a result of a long-standing enmity between the victim and one of the accused. Police have altered the charges to murder as investigations continue.

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's 544-page memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', is set to be published in November, offering an intimate account of her life, from her childhood in Italy to her experiences in India and her eventual entry into politics following personal tragedies.

'Public has right to know': Amit Shah targets Rahul Gandhi over foreign trips

'Public has right to know': Amit Shah targets Rahul Gandhi over foreign trips

Rediff.com6 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to disclose details of his foreign trips to the public, saying they have a right to know since he was the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi didn't push me, clarifies Shivakumar

Rahul Gandhi didn't push me, clarifies Shivakumar

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has refuted claims that Rahul Gandhi pushed him during a protest march in Delhi, clarifying that Gandhi was concerned for his safety. This comes after a viral video sparked a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP, with the latter accusing Gandhi of insulting the state.

Sonia Gandhi's memoir gets new publisher after Penguin backs out

Sonia Gandhi's memoir gets new publisher after Penguin backs out

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

HarperCollins India has announced the publication of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in India on November 10. The highly anticipated book will offer insights into her personal life and India's political journey, covering her childhood, marriage into the Nehru-Gandhi family, and entry into politics.

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi claims that former chief election commissioner T N Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 and even offered to become home minister. Gandhi, who was joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman, writes that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president and arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night. According to Gandhi's account, Seshan told Venkatraman that he felt the election process needed to be stopped and that he was ready to take on the role of home minister if necessary. However, Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Cabinet Secretary Naresh Chandra assured the president that the situation was under control and that there was no need to pause the election process. Seshan's suggestions were ultimately ignored, but he did manage to postpone the second and third phases of polling.

Maneka used expletives in my mother-in-law's presence: Sonia

Maneka used expletives in my mother-in-law's presence: Sonia

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sonia Gandhi's memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love" details the tumultuous relationship between her and Maneka Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi's wife. It covers Maneka's entry into the family, growing tensions, political ambitions, and eventual dramatic departure, which Sonia describes as a "reality show".

Why are people calling Dadi, chacha thieves?: Young Rahul asked Sonia

Why are people calling Dadi, chacha thieves?: Young Rahul asked Sonia

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey Of Love," recounts a poignant incident from Rahul Gandhi's seventh birthday in 1977, shortly after Indira Gandhi's electoral defeat. Most of his friends skipped the celebration, offering Rahul an early, painful lesson in the fickle nature of political relationships, a theme that also affected Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi at 75

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi at 75

Rediff.com20 Aug 2019

Senior Congress leaders paid tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 75 birth anniversary on Tuesday

Delhi Man Stabs Brother Over Alcohol Dispute

Delhi Man Stabs Brother Over Alcohol Dispute

Rediff.com27 Oct 2026

A 38-year-old man was apprehended in northeast Delhi for allegedly stabbing his younger brother during an argument about the latter's alcohol addiction. The injured brother is currently undergoing treatment, and police have registered a case.

Did Rajiv Gandhi Open Babri Masjid's Locks?

Did Rajiv Gandhi Open Babri Masjid's Locks?

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

A revealing excerpt from Mani Shankar Aiyar's fascinating new book, The Rajiv I Knew.

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

'Rahul Is Not Leaving Any Scope For Compromise'

'Rahul Is Not Leaving Any Scope For Compromise'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Nobody, even the government, cannot compel Gyanesh Kumar to resign. He can only be removed through a constitutionally laid down process of impeachment. If he does get impeached, there will be political fallout on Mr Modi's government.'

Modi first PM chosen directly by the people: BJP chief

Modi first PM chosen directly by the people: BJP chief

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

BJP president Nitin Nabin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey as a leader, asserting that Modi is India's first prime minister to be directly chosen by the people through a public mandate, unlike previous PMs like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi who were initially selected by their party. Nabin highlighted Modi's rise based on organisational experience and public support, not political dynasty.

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

An upcoming book by investigative journalist Chitra Subramaniam claims that senior Indian bureaucrats "tutored" Bofors officials in a secret meeting in 1987 on how to absolve then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of all blame in the infamous bribery scandal. The book, "Boforsgate," details how the meeting was held to cover up the alleged Rs 64 crore bribe in a Rs 1,437 crore deal for Howitzer guns, and how Indian officials provided advice on concealing information from investigators. Subramaniam's revelations are based on documents provided to her by the Swedish head of police investigating the Bofors case.

DRI Nabs Two With Rs 1.56 Crore Foreign Currency At Hyderabad Airport

DRI Nabs Two With Rs 1.56 Crore Foreign Currency At Hyderabad Airport

Rediff.com24 Oct 2026

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized foreign currency worth approximately Rs 1.56 crore and arrested two passengers at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The currency, including US dollars and Malaysian ringgit, was found concealed in cabin baggage of passengers attempting to fly to Kuala Lumpur.

'Rajiv Gandhi's legacy is quite inspirational'

'Rajiv Gandhi's legacy is quite inspirational'

Rediff.com21 May 2021

'Some of his decisions were not so good, but his intentions were always guided by a deep national interest.'

From 'theek hai' to firm no: Why Sonia refused to be PM in 2004

From 'theek hai' to firm no: Why Sonia refused to be PM in 2004

Rediff.com1 days ago

Sonia Gandhi's memoir "Belonging: A Journey of Love" reveals the intense internal conflict and family opposition behind her decision to decline the prime minister's post in 2004. Despite initial rejection, then a hesitant acceptance under pressure from alliance leaders, she ultimately followed her "inner voice" to refuse the top job, nominating Manmohan Singh instead.

'A part of me was gone': Sonia on renouncing Italian citizenship

'A part of me was gone': Sonia on renouncing Italian citizenship

Rediff.com1 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi explained that giving up her Italian passport and adopting Indian citizenship felt more difficult, as it was a part of herself that she had brought from Italy.

Power bank catches fire mid-air on IndiGo's Delhi-Chennai flight

Power bank catches fire mid-air on IndiGo's Delhi-Chennai flight

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday after a passenger's power bank caught fire in the overhead bin. The cabin crew quickly extinguished the fire, and the aircraft landed safely. All 180 passengers and seven crew members were unharmed. This is reportedly the third such incident on an IndiGo aircraft in about a year.