Sonia Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, served as the President of the Indian National Congress. This comprehensive biography explores her life, career, and significant contributions to the nation.
Wiki/Biography
Born Edvige Antonia Albina Maino on Monday, December 9, 1946, in Lusiana, Veneto, Italy, Sonia Gandhi (age 75 as of 2024) is a Sagittarius. She received her primary education at a Catholic school in Orbassano, Italy, where she excelled academically. Later, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in English from Bell Educational Trust’s Language School in Cambridge, England. Interestingly, before entering politics, she aspired to be a flight attendant and even worked part-time as a waitress at the Varsity Restaurant in Cambridge, where she met Rajiv Gandhi.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’4″
- Eye Colour: Hazel Brown
- Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
Family, Husband & Caste
Raised Catholic in Italy, Sonia Gandhi now follows Hinduism. Her father, Stefano Maino, was a businessman. Her mother, Paola Maino, passed away on August 27, 2022. She has an older sister, Anushka Maino, and a younger sister, Nadia Maino. She married Rajiv Gandhi on February 25, 1968. Her mother-in-law was the influential Indira Gandhi. Sonia and Rajiv had two children: Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (married to Robert Vadra).
Political Career
Sonia Gandhi joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1997. After her husband’s assassination, she initially resisted calls to lead the party. However, extensive interactions with Congress workers across India convinced her to accept the presidency in 1998. She successfully contested Lok Sabha elections from multiple constituencies, including Amethi and Rae Bareilly. Her leadership steered the UPA coalition to victory in 2004 and 2009. She served as the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council. She held the Congress presidency for 15 years before resigning in 2017, paving the way for her son, Rahul Gandhi, to take over.
In 2019, she successfully defended her Raebareli seat in the Lok Sabha elections. Notably, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan in February 2024.
Controversies
Sonia Gandhi faced numerous controversies throughout her political career. These include allegations of involvement in the Bofors scandal, accusations of wielding excessive influence during Manmohan Singh’s premiership (“Super PM”), links to the AugustaWestland helicopter deal, and the National Herald case which involved allegations of financial irregularities.
Awards, Honours & Achievements
Sonia Gandhi received numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the University of Madras. She was also recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the world’s most powerful women.
Assets & Properties
| Asset Type | Details | Approximate Value (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | – | 90,000 |
| Jewellery | 1.3 kg Gold, 88 kg Silver | 1.07 Crore |
| Agricultural Land (Deramandi) | – | 5.88 Crores |
| Agricultural Land (Sultanpur) | – | 1.40 Crores |
| Inherited Property (Italy) | Share in inherited property | 26.83 Lakh |
| Total Assets | – | 12.53 Crores |
Salary & Net Worth
As a member of the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi received a salary of Rs. 1 Lac per month plus allowances. Her net worth was approximately Rs. 12.53 crore as of 2024.
Facts
- Her father fought in World War II.
- She moved to the UK to improve her English.
- Her father initially disapproved of her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi.
- She experienced a miscarriage before the birth of Rahul Gandhi.
- She strongly opposed Rajiv Gandhi becoming Prime Minister.
- She is a dog lover and owns a Jack Russell Terrier.
- A temple with her idol was built in Telangana as a tribute.
“`
