New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended greetings to veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on her 77th birthday and prayed for her long and healthy life.
“Best wishes to Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji on her birthday. May she be blessed with a long and healthy life,” the prime minister wrote on X.
Sonia Gandhi, born Edvige Antonia Albina Maino on December 9, 1946, stands as a towering figure in Indian politics. Her journey, from an Italian student to the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress (INC), is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Born and raised in Italy, Sonia met Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, while studying in Cambridge. Their marriage in 1968 brought her to India, where she gradually embraced her new life and adopted Indian culture. However, she remained largely away from the public eye until the assassination of her husband in 1991.
Following the immense public grief and political turmoil, Sonia Gandhi was persuaded to enter politics by senior Congress leaders. In 1998, she took over as the president of the INC, a position she held for a total of 22 years, becoming the party’s longest-serving leader.
Under her leadership, the INC revived its fortunes, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to two consecutive terms in power (2004-2014). During this period, India witnessed significant economic growth and social development programs like MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and Right to Food Act.
Despite not holding the office of Prime Minister herself, Sonia Gandhi wielded considerable influence behind the scenes, playing a key role in shaping the government’s agenda and decision-making. She was widely respected for her integrity, commitment to secularism, and dedication to the welfare of the underprivileged.
While not as active in politics as before, Sonia Gandhi remains a respected figure within the INC and continues to guide the party’s direction. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the UPA, providing advice and support to the current leadership.
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