Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi released her memoir, titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, with senior party leaders welcoming the book as a candid first-person account of her personal journey, political experiences, and contributions to Indian public life. Congress leaders said the memoir would help readers look beyond years of criticism and allegations directed at her by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other political opponents.

Party Leaders Welcome the Release

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Vice President Gurunadham described the timing of the book's release as deliberate and appropriate. He said the memoir amounted to a direct response to what he characterised as sustained attempts by the BJP to diminish Sonia Gandhi's standing in public life.

'The decision taken by Sonia Gandhi is the right decision at the right time. Why? Because the BJP has been making several allegations against Sonia Gandhi and attempting to undermine her stature and status in the public eye. So, this is a good response to the BJP, and I feel it is also a part and parcel of great Indian history,' Gurunadham said.

Congress Spokesperson on Misconceptions and Truth

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput said the memoir was Sonia Gandhi's first book written in her own words, and that it would bring her personal experiences directly before the public. He expressed confidence that the book would become a bestseller.

'This is Sonia Gandhi's only book in which she has written her memoirs. And through this book, the truth will become clear. All her personal experiences will come before everyone, and everyone should read it,' Rajput said.

Rajput also pre-empted criticism from the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying the party was prepared to respond to objections. He urged readers to engage with the memoir and 'respect her' rather than making personal attacks.

'Come, read Sonia Gandhi. Understand Sonia Gandhi, and instead of making shameless remarks about her, respect her. See how she has shaped her journey in India and what sacrifices, dedication and commitment she has demonstrated,' he added.

A Book as a Response to Political Attacks

Congress leader Abhishek Dutt framed the memoir as a source of inspiration, particularly for people navigating adversity. He pointed to Sonia Gandhi's measured response to personal attacks by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a central theme.

'This book is an inspiration to the people who are going through a difficult time, showing how Madam Gandhi kept her boundaries when the BJP and PM Modi made personal attacks on her. She kept her patience, and it shows her upbringing and the boundaries she maintained,' Dutt said.

Context and What to Watch

The memoir's release comes at a charged moment in Indian politics, with the Congress rebuilding its national profile after successive electoral setbacks. 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' is expected to draw both wide readership and political scrutiny, given Sonia Gandhi's decades-long centrality to Indian public life — from her assumption of the Congress presidency in 1998 to leading the party through two terms of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The Congress has signalled it will actively defend the book's contents against anticipated criticism from the BJP and allied groups. How the memoir shapes public perception of one of India's most consequential — and contested — political figures remains to be seen.