Sonia Gandhi, originally known as Edvige Antonia Albina Màino, is an Italy-born Indian politician and the President of the Indian National Congress (INC).
She was born in a Roman Catholic family on December 9, 1946, in a small village near Vicenza, Italy. She moved to Cambridge, London, for language classes where she met Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India.
In 1968, the couple got married and became the parents of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Post her husband's assassination in 1991, she entered Indian politics and took over as the Congress party leader in the year 1998.
Under her leadership, Congress went on to form the government in 2004 post the Lok Sabha elections in coalition with other Centre-Left political parties. She holds the record of holding the Congress President’s office for the longest time; 10 years at one go. She stepped down from the post in December 2017 and was succeeded by Rahul Gandhi, but again took over as the interim president in 2019 after Rahul stepped down.
A political controversy erupted following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student outreach event after comedian Pulkit Mani performed a satirical mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The act satirised the Prime Minister's mannerisms, his interactions with foreign leaders, and an incident where he offered a chair to an elderly woman whom he addressed as mother. The Bharatiya Janata Party attacked the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other leaders accusing the party of insulting women and misleading youth, while demanding Rahul Gandhi quit politics. Defending the event, Congress leaders stated that the performance was political satire and mimicry rather than a serious statement, pointing out the presence of women in the audience who enjoyed the act. The opposition also questioned why similar outrage was absent when Sonia Gandhi faced political insults, as both sides traded fierce charges over political propriety.
The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following a mimicry act at the 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' event in Indore. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of displaying insensitivity and moral bankruptcy by allegedly mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an elderly woman referenced during a rally remark. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed the act shameful and disgusting, alleging that student interactions were being weaponised. During a broadcast discussion, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan condemned Rahul Gandhi for sharing the stage with individuals who insulted women and an elderly person, stating that such actions reflect an uncouth culture and regressive politics. The anchor also questioned the BJP regarding past political posts by party handles targeting opposition leaders, sparking a debate on political satire, accountability, and the treatment of women in political discourse.
Political developments in West Bengal show major challenges for Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress faction ahead of key assembly by-polls. The party's candidate from Rezinagar, Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, withdrew his nomination, citing difficulties in popularising a new party symbol, alleged intimidation, and a lack of ground-level cadre support. This follows the earlier withdrawal of candidate Sanchita Pradhan in Nandigram, where the party subsequently extended support to the Congress candidate, Milan Pradhan, who was later arrested in connection with pending criminal cases. Following an interim ruling by the Election Commission of India recognising two separate factions—Mamata Banerjee All India Trinamool Congress and the rebel Democratic Trinamool Congress—the Mamata Banerjee-led group faces operational hurdles and has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking legal relief.
A major political debate has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir over the recital of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stood for the full national song at an event in Srinagar following parliamentary approval.
A political confrontation has intensified between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress over the singing of the full rendition of Vande Mataram. The BJP accused the Congress of harbouring an anti-national mindset and disrespecting freedom fighters after Congress leaders reaffirmed their stance of singing only the first two stanzas to maintain communal harmony. Meanwhile, the central government has proposed legislation penalising disrespect to the national song on par with the national anthem. The issue has also exposed divisions within the opposition alliance after National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stood for all six verses played at an event in Srinagar following new guidelines. Congress leader K. C. Venugopal stated that the full version sits uneasily with India's pluralist ethos, urging allies to adhere only to the version adopted during the freedom movement, while the BJP criticised the Congress for opposing the original version of the national song.
A political war of words erupted in Telangana between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KTR as the Congress administration marked a milestone in office. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a direct attack on KTR, alleging a lack of family values and referencing internal property disputes concerning his sister. In response, KTR mounted a scathing counter-offensive against the Congress party during a youth rally in Karimnagar, labelling Congress an 'old fox' that stalled the creation of Telangana and failed multiple generations. KTR cited historical events from 1956, 1968, 1971, and 2004, accusing Congress of unfulfilled electoral guarantees and delayed statehood. Meanwhile, Congress leaders defended welfare programmes and governance achievements, countering that the previous regime mismanaged public resources. The high-pitched political exchange highlights escalating friction between the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi across Telangana.
The Karnataka government has withdrawn the controversial Parks Amendment Bill following widespread protests by citizens and opposition parties across Bengaluru. The proposed legislation sought to permit up to five percent of government parkland to be utilised for public purposes and infrastructure projects, sparking concerns over the loss of green spaces such as Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. Opposition leaders accused the administration of attempting to facilitate the contentious Tunnel Road Project, alleging unscientific planning. Defending the move to recall the bill, Congress spokespersons maintained that a democratic government must heed public feedback, confirming that revised proposals would undergo wider public consultation before returning to the assembly. Meanwhile, the BJP characterised the rollback as a major victory for the 'Save Parks, Save Bengaluru' movement, accusing the ruling dispensation of ignoring ecological concerns.
The Karnataka government has withdrawn the controversial Parks Amendment Bill following widespread protests by citizens and opposition parties across Bengaluru.
Delhi Police have detained right-wing activist Swatantra Bharat Bhardwaj from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, following a viral video and podcast where he claimed to have assaulted Sanjay Kumar, the father of influencer Nishu Azad, during protests at Jantar Mantar.
HarperCollins India has announced the publication of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', scheduled for release on November 10, 2026. The announcement follows a dispute after former publisher Penguin backed out of negotiations over disagreements concerning content revisions and verification demands. The Congress party had earlier alleged political pressure over sensitive subjects in the manuscript, while Penguin stated it had requested fact-checking prior to publication. Following the breakdown of negotiations with Penguin, HarperCollins acquired the publishing rights for India. The publishing house described the memoir as an account covering themes of love, identity, duty, and India's political journey. An official media embargo will remain in effect until the scheduled release date in November, when the book will hit bookstores.
Penguin India has issued a clarification regarding Sonia Gandhi's upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love in India', stating it is not the publisher of the memoir in India and rejecting claims that it refused publication due to inaccuracies. The publisher confirmed discussions took place, emphasizing that fact-checking and editorial recommendations are part of its responsibility. Following reports of differences over proposed changes, the BJP criticized the Congress leader, questioning the need for fact-checking her memoir. In response, the Congress accused the BJP of trying to suppress the book, terming any attempt to suppress the memoir a murder of democracy.
This News Today episode sheds light on the growing public scrutiny of the Indian economy, a key theme in the Mood of the Nation poll.
A showdown over Sonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging' has intensified following a statement released by publisher Penguin Random House India. Addressing suggestions that the publishing house decided against releasing the book due to unaccepted editorial changes, Penguin Random House India clarified that such claims do not accurately reflect circumstances. The publisher maintained that it remained willing and keen to publish the book, highlighting that fact-checking and providing recommendations to authors are both its prerogative and responsibility. The transcript notes the significance of the book, which covers Sonia Gandhi's journey of making India her home following personal tragedies, including the assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and her political rise.
Speaking at the India Today Karnataka Round Table, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reflects on his transition from Deputy Chief Minister to Chief Minister, describing himself as a 'harried man' and a 'man in a hurry' dedicated to delivering good governance and strengthening the party. Addressing concerns over cabinet composition and the absence of female ministers, Shivakumar asserts the Congress party's commitment to women's empowerment and assures that a woman minister will be inducted into the Karnataka Cabinet in the coming days. Dismissing reports of factionalism within the Karnataka Congress, he rejects the concept of competing camps between himself and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, emphasizing party unity under a single 'Congress camp.' Shivakumar highlights that leadership decisions and cabinet accommodations are subject to party consensus and statutory limits, pointing to historical precedents of senior leaders waiting for cabinet entries.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched an attack on the Congress following the Congress Working Committee's decision regarding Vande Mataram. The BJP opposed the resolution to sing only the first two stanzas of the national song, describing Vande Mataram as a symbol of national consciousness and a mantra of the freedom struggle. Accusing the Congress of resorting to vote bank politics and possessing a divisive mindset, the BJP emphasized that there can be no compromise on the honor of the national song. During a meeting of national office bearers chaired by Nitin Gadkari, the BJP passed a resolution condemning the stance taken by the Congress. The party announced plans to take the issue to the public, alleging that the Congress fails to respect national symbols and legacy while engaging in appeasement politics.
The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, Sikh community members, and victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots organized a protest march near the residence of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Protesters held effigies of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Deepender Hooda, Sajjan Kumar, and Jagdish Tytler while shouting slogans against Congress leaders. The demonstration followed Congress leader Deepender Hooda referring to 1984 riot convict Sajjan Kumar as a role model. Demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi and action against Hooda, protesters attempted to push through police barricades. Heavy security personnel, including Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, were deployed to contain the march as political controversy escalated.
In an exclusive interaction, former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani strongly criticized Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent protest at the Parliament Street police station demanding an FIR for a pellet gun victim. Irani dismissed Gandhi's actions as a "political stunt" aimed at distracting the public from the ongoing Vande Mataram controversy. She questioned why the Leader of Opposition has not filed complaints regarding attacks on police and paramilitary personnel during recent protests, alleging selective pursuit of justice. Irani further defended the central government's efforts in addressing exam paper leaks through legislative actions and the creation of a specialized task force. She accused Gandhi of lacking genuine interest in structural reforms and failing to offer productive solutions. Additionally, Irani slammed the Congress party's stance on singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram, arguing it disrespects national sentiment and historical precedents established by the Constituent Assembly.
The Congress Working Committee has reaffirmed its 1937 decision to sing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events, citing the positions taken by leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The move comes amid a fresh political row, with the BJP accusing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of disrespecting the National Song by allegedly stopping its full rendition during an Independence Day event. Congress has defended its position as inclusive and rooted in history. Meanwhile, the Centre has introduced protocols requiring a six-stanza version of Vande Mataram at official functions, seeking to standardise its rendition across the country.
This news broadcast covers key political developments in India and international affairs. Former Chief Election Commissioner TS Krishnamurthy addresses the evolution of India's photo voter identity cards, stating that while basic verification occurs during voter registration, voter ID cards do not serve as proof of citizenship.
On 5Live hosted by Sonali Mehrotra Kapoor, the Bihar government has moved quickly to address growing anger among competitive exam aspirants by announcing the recruitment of 32,388 school teachers under the fourth phase of the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4.0).
