Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and senior leader Sonia Gandhi is celebrating her birthday today. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his wishes and prayed for her long life and good health. He also wished that she “live a full hundred years.”
A Influential Journey in Indian Politics
Born in Italy on December 9, 1946, Sonia Gandhi married former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and entered politics after his assassination. She went on to make history as the longest-serving Congress President, taking charge in 1998 during one of the party’s most challenging phases. Her leadership revived the Congress and helped it secure back-to-back victories at the Centre in 2004 and 2009.
During her tenure, Sonia played a crucial role in the formation of Congress governments across 16 states, strengthening the party’s presence nationwide. Despite early criticism over her foreign origin from leaders like Sharad Pawar and P.A. Sangma, she steadily rose to prominence with strong support from the party cadre.
Continued Role in the Congress
Known for her Italian-accented Hindi during her initial political years, Sonia Gandhi evolved into one of India’s most influential political figures. Although she chose not to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to age and health concerns, she continues to remain active in national politics.
Currently serving as a Rajya Sabha member, Sonia Gandhi plays a key advisory role and continues to guide the party under the leadership of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.