Sonia Gandhi Reveals UPA Power-Sharing With Singh
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has described the division of responsibilities between herself and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s tenure from 2004 to 2014. In her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, released on November 10, she maintains that Singh controlled government affairs while she concentrated on leading the Congress party.
Sonia Gandhi Rejects Claims of Interference in UPA Government
Gandhi dismissed longstanding allegations that she exercised unofficial control over the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) or demanded access to confidential government files.
She described claims that official files were sent to her for approval as false and malicious, maintaining that her responsibilities remained distinct from those of the Prime Minister.
However, Gandhi acknowledged providing inputs during government formation, particularly concerning appointments involving Congress leaders who had supported the party during its years in opposition.
Why Sonia Gandhi Chose Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister
Gandhi revealed that she had decided against becoming Prime Minister months before the 2004 Lok Sabha election results were announced.
Her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, had expressed concerns about her personal safety and urged her not to accept the position.
She selected Singh partly because of his reputation as the architect of India’s 1991 economic liberalisation reforms.
His economic credentials were considered important in reassuring investors and political observers about the Congress-led coalition’s policies, particularly given its dependence on external support from Left parties.
Sonia Gandhi Memoir Revisits Congress-Led UPA Era
Gandhi characterised her working relationship with Singh as cooperative, maintaining that their respective responsibilities were clearly defined.
The arrangement placed Singh at the head of the government while Gandhi managed Congress affairs and coalition politics.
Her 544-page memoir also examines her personal life, political journey and major developments during the Congress-led government’s decade in power.
