Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi was born on 9th December, 1946 in Itali. Her parents name are Stefano and Paola Maino. She was named the third most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine.

She was the Chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance in the Lok Sabha, until she resigned on the 23rd of March 2006.

She is a widow of former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, who was the grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India.

On 28th May 2005 Smt. Sonia Gandhi was elected as President of the Indian National Congress by overwhelming support from across the country from all states.

Mrs Gandhi spent most of her life largely as a private citizen, except for the years, 1984 to 1991, when her husband, Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In response to widespread demands from the Congress Party, Mrs Gandhi entered public life before the 1998 Lok Sabha election, when she campaigned vigorously on behalf of the Party. She was elected as its Party President in April 1998.

Following her husband's assassination on 21st May, 1991, there were calls for her to enter politics by members of the Congress Party. After her refusal, the party settled on the choice of P V Narsimha Rao as leader and, subsequently, Prime Minister. She finally entered politics just before the 1998 national election.

In the Indian general election, 2004, when the ruling National Democration Alliance (NDA) was set to win a majority, Sonia launched an aggressive campaign, criss-crossing the country on the 'Aam Aadmi' slogan in contrast to the 'India Shining' slogan of the BJP-led NDA alliance.

Her son, Rahul Gandhi had also won election to the Parliament from Amethi constituency in 2004. Sonia Gandhi has written two books: Rajiv and Rajiv's World. In addition, she has also edited Freedom's Daughter and Two Alone, Two Together.