'BJP, RSS Told Lies About Sonia Gandhi All Her Life; Now She Is Telling the Truth': Priyanka Gandhi

Priyanka Gandhi Defends Sonia Gandhi's Memoir

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday, November 12, 2026, hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over their criticism of her mother Sonia Gandhi's newly released memoir.

Speaking to reporters during her visit to Wayanad in Kerala, Priyanka accused the BJP and RSS of spreading falsehoods and fabricating stories about Sonia Gandhi for much of her adult life in India.

She said her mother had remained silent for years despite repeated criticism and allegations, but had now decided to share her own account through the book.

"For so long they have been telling lies about my mother. Now she is telling the truth," Priyanka said, adding that Sonia Gandhi had every right to tell her story.

What Did Priyanka Say About the BJP and RSS?

Responding to questions about the BJP's reaction to the memoir, Priyanka said political opponents had made claims about her mother for years without giving her an opportunity to present her own perspective.

She said Sonia Gandhi had written what she wanted to explain and included her personal understanding of events.

Priyanka also remarked that she was happy the BJP was reading her mother's book, despite its criticism.

She added that everyone had their own point of view and the right to narrate their experiences.

BJP Criticises Sonia Gandhi's Memoir

The controversy began after Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, was released on November 10, 2026.

The BJP criticised the book, accusing Sonia Gandhi of attempting to justify the Emergency imposed in 1975 and giving a clean chit to her late husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

BJP leaders described the memoir as an attempt to whitewash controversial chapters of India's political history. The party also questioned the account of historical events presented in the book.

These criticisms triggered a political exchange between the BJP and Congress, with Congress leaders defending Sonia Gandhi's right to share her personal account.

What Does Sonia Gandhi Write About the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots?

One of the most debated sections of the memoir concerns the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In the book, Sonia Gandhi describes the violence as a tragic and shameful chapter in India's history. She refers to the killing of innocent Sikhs and the failure of authorities to prevent the violence.

She also discusses her late husband Rajiv Gandhi's position during that period, arguing that he was thrust into a difficult political situation.

The BJP has challenged this portrayal, alleging that the memoir attempts to defend Rajiv Gandhi's legacy.

Emergency of 1975 Also Becomes a Political Flashpoint

The Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1975 is another subject of political disagreement surrounding the memoir.

The BJP has accused Sonia Gandhi of attempting to justify the decision and present the circumstances in a way that softens the historical criticism of the period.

The Emergency remains one of the most debated episodes in modern Indian political history because of the suspension of civil liberties, restrictions on the press and the detention of opposition leaders.

The controversy over the memoir has once again brought competing political interpretations of that period into public discussion.

Sonia Gandhi's Memoir Triggers Political Debate

Titled Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia Gandhi's memoir recounts her personal journey, family experiences and years in Indian public life.

Its release has prompted reactions from political leaders and commentators across party lines.

While the BJP has questioned its account of historical events, Congress leaders have defended the book as Sonia Gandhi's opportunity to explain her experiences in her own words.

Priyanka's response has added another dimension to the debate, placing the focus on the right of public figures to present their personal narratives alongside the political criticism those accounts may attract.

Conclusion

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks have intensified the political debate surrounding Sonia Gandhi's memoir. By accusing the BJP and RSS of spreading falsehoods about her mother, Priyanka defended the former Congress president's decision to share her personal account of India's political history.

With disagreements continuing over the Emergency and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the memoir has become the subject of a wider political discussion between the Congress and the BJP.