Sonia Gandhi finally opens up about politics, her children, shortcomings
What's the story
In a deeply introspective speech, Sonia Gandhi spoke on a wide range of topics, including her children, her shortcomings, and democracy's role in India, the first time she has opened up since relinquishing the Congress President post.
Addressing the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Gandhi said democracy allows dissent and debate and not monologues in an apparent barb at PM Narendra Modi.
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Details
Congress needs a new style to connect with people
The former Congress President also lamented that nation builders are being slandered and that there was "cynical running down" of past achievements referring to the constant criticism by the ruling party of the post Independence achievements of the Congress and its Prime Ministers.
However, Gandhi noted the Congress also needs to develop a new style of connecting with people at the organizational level.
Leadership
Knew Manmohan Singh would be better PM than me: Sonia
Speaking about her own role in leadership after the Congress came to power in 2004, Gandhi said that she knew Manmohan Singh would be better a Prime Minister than her and that she was aware of her limitations.
"Public speaking does not come naturally to me, that is why I was called a reader than a leader," the Congress leader said.
Information
Sonia was Congress President for 19 years
Sonia Gandhi had served as the President of the Congress Party for 19 years. The 71-year-old was, however, replaced by her son Rahul Gandhi in December last year after internal party elections.