Sonia : A Biography

Rasheed Kidwai

ISBN 10: 0670049557 / ISBN 13: 9780670049554

Published by Penguin Books, 2003

About this Item

Contents: Preface. 1. A tragedy in Sriperumbudur. 2. The search for a successor. 3. A long journey from Orbassano. 4. A tale of two Bahus. 5. The Prime Minister's wife. 6. A Tug of war. 7. Educating Sonia. 8. Sonia takes over the Congress. 9. The favoured few. 10. Sonia's faith. 11. The new generation. 12. The rebels. 13. The controversies. 14. Sonia the leader. 15. Looking to the future. Notes. References. Index. The rise of Sonia Gandhi to leader of the venerable Congress party is one of the most remarkable stories of recent times even in the unpredictable world of Indian politics. The story of how an apolitical housewife who was dead set against the entrance of her husband Rajiv Gandhi into the political arena emerged as an astute player of the game herself is one that has never been told. Adding to the enigma is her reserve she has given very few interviews and remains a very private person. In Sonia: A Biography journalist Rasheed Kidwai offers the first close look at the person and the transformation that circumstance and tragedy brought about in her. He recounts the period of shock that followed Rajiv Gandhi's assassination her ascent to leadership in 1998 the revolt by party stalwarts Sharad Pawar and P.A. Sangma the controversies she has had to face and he unravels the true story of her dealings with leaders such as Sitaram Kesri P.V. Narasimha Rao Arjun Singh and others. Sonia also gives a fascinating insight into the inner world of Congress politics and the frustrations and jealousies that ensue as various leaders powerful in their own right vie for the honour of being part of the inner circle. Extensively researched and crisply written this is a compelling portrayal of a leader who is seen by many as a future Prime Minister. 240 pp.

Seller Inventory # 50814

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sonia : A Biography
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0670049557
• ISBN 13: 9780670049554
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: As New

About this title

Synopsis

The rise of Sonia Gandhi to leader of the venerable Congress party is one of the most remarkable stories, even in the unpredictable world of Indian politics. This book looks at the person and the transformation that circumstance and tragedy brought about in her.

About the Author

Rasheed Kidwai, forty-three, is Associate Editor of the Telegraph, Calcutta. He graduated from St Stephen s College, New Delhi, and holds a master s degree in mass communication from UK s Leicester University where he went on a Commonwealth India scholarship. Kidwai is a regular political commentator on various television networks, radio programmes and newspapers. He is a guest lecturer at several journalism schools, universities and media organizations.