- Sonia Gandhi (born in 1946 in Lusiana, Italy) is an Italian-born Indian politician and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress (INC).
- She married Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, in 1968 and became a naturalized Indian citizen in 1983.
- After the tragic assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, Sonia initially stayed away from active politics but eventually joined the INC in 1997.
- Sonia Gandhi became the President of the Indian National Congress in March 1998, succeeding Sitaram Kesri.
- Under her leadership, the party experienced a period of revival, uniting its factions and regaining its influence in Indian politics.
- Her tenure as president lasted 19 years (1998–2017), making her the longest-serving president in the party’s history.
- In August 2019, she was reappointed as interim president after her son, Rahul Gandhi, resigned following the party’s defeat in the 2019 general elections.
- United Progressive Alliance (UPA):
- Sonia Gandhi played a key role in forming the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a coalition of center-left parties.
- 2004: The UPA formed the government with Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister, ending the BJP-led NDA’s rule.
- 2009: The UPA retained power with an increased majority, marking one of the Congress’s best performances in decades.
- Under her leadership, landmark social welfare schemes were introduced, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI).
- The Congress faced several challenges during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure:
- Allegations of corruption, particularly in the 2G spectrum case.
- Growing opposition from the BJP.
- The party’s performance declined in subsequent elections, with a major defeat in the 2014 general elections, marking a significant loss to the BJP.
- Reviving the Congress during a critical period and steering the party through both success and setbacks.
- Emphasizing coalition politics, ensuring the party’s relevance in a fragmented political landscape.
- Advocating for welfare and inclusive policies, particularly targeting rural and marginalized populations.
- She remains a pivotal figure in Indian politics, even as the Congress continues to struggle to regain its former dominance.
- Sonia Gandhi served as the longest-tenured president of the Indian National Congress, leading the party from 1998 to 2017 and resuming leadership as interim president in 2019.
- She was instrumental in forming and leading the UPA coalition, which won the 2004 and 2009 general elections.
- Despite facing challenges, her leadership is remembered for fostering coalition politics, introducing significant welfare programs, and guiding the party through periods of both revival and decline.
