BJP Attacks Sonia Gandhi Over UPA Power Role Following Memoir Release

The Bharatiya Janata Party targeted senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday regarding her influential position during the United Progressive Alliance era. BJP spokesperson and Member of Parliament Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that although Gandhi turned down the prime minister post in 2004, she effectively operated as a elevated authority through her role leading the National Advisory Council.

During a media briefing, Trivedi criticized Gandhi for accepting a Cabinet minister-rank post to head the council despite declining the prime ministership. He alleged that she held considerable power over the government led by Manmohan Singh and raised questions regarding Office of Profit rules connected to her position.

The political sharp-shooting follows the Tuesday release of Gandhi's memoir, titled "Belonging: A Journey of Love." In the book, the former Congress chief explains her choices following the party's 2004 general election victory.

In her memoir, Gandhi writes that her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, voiced opposition to her becoming prime minister because of the trauma surrounding the assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Though she briefly agreed to coalition partners pressing her to lead, she ultimately chose to follow her conscience, declining the role and picking Manmohan Singh to head the government.