In Hyderabad on Thursday, November 12, Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) leader Vinod Kumar Boinapalli publicly questioned Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's recently launched autobiography, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love.' Boinapalli, a founder-member of the BRS, expressed strong disapproval via a post on X, highlighting the complete absence of any mention of the Telangana movement within the memoir, despite Gandhi's acknowledged 'pivotal role' in the state's formation.
Kumar underscored that Gandhi's contribution to the decision-making process for Telangana's creation was 'widely acknowledged and appreciated' by the state's populace. He pointed out that as Congress President and UPA Chairperson, she recognized the deep public sentiment and moral force of a movement marked by years of protests, strikes, and the 'sacrifices of over 1,200 students and activists.' Yet, he noted, 'interestingly, her latest memoir… makes no mention of this historic chapter, not even the word 'Telangana'.' The BRS leader added that the reason for this significant omission remains 'best known to her.'
Gandhi's 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' published by HarperCollins India and launched on November 10, 2026, is described as a personal memoir, with politics serving as a backdrop. The book commences with her childhood in post-war Veneto, Italy, chronicling her path to Cambridge where she met Rajiv Gandhi in 1965. It details her marriage, introduction to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and her adaptation to Indian life, including learning Hindi, wearing saris, and embracing local cuisine and culture. The memoir also touches upon the Congress-led alliance's 2004 election victory, when Gandhi declined the Prime Ministership but led the alliance for a decade.
Image: siasat.com
đź“° Source: Siasat Gulf