New Delhi, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Wednesday defended Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s remarks in her memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, which touches upon Operation Blue Star, the demolition of the Babri Masjid and her approach to politics.
Speaking to IANS, Shinde said Sonia Gandhi had addressed several important events in India’s history and presented her perspective on their consequences. He added that he would comment in detail after reading the book.
Referring to Operation Blue Star, the military operation carried out at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in June 1984, Shinde said Indira Gandhi and Punjab could never have been separated, but those who conducted the operation had done so as part of their duty.
Responding to Sonia Gandhi’s reported recollection of being in tears when the Babri Masjid was demolished in December 1992, Shinde said the Gandhi-Nehru family had always responded emotionally to major historical and political developments. He said such events involved both personal emotions and a sense of duty.
Shinde also hit back at the BJP’s criticism of Sonia Gandhi following the release of her memoir, highlighting her decision to make India her home and her contribution to the country.
“The BJP will keep saying such things; they have nothing else to do. But will they ever reflect on the sacrifices Sonia Gandhi has made for this country? A woman from a foreign country came to India and dedicated everything she had to this nation. There will be fewer people who come from outside and make India their own,” he said.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his political approach and remarks concerning religious communities. Referring to the memoir, Soz alleged that Modi’s outlook was inconsistent with the idea of a secular Indian society.
He questioned the Prime Minister’s remarks referring to Muslims during a recent visit to Rajasthan and said a leader should not divide the country’s population along religious lines. Soz also alleged that Modi had moved closer to the RSS and described his political approach as misguided.
Sonia Gandhi’s memoir has triggered political reactions, with Congress leaders defending her account while BJP and other political leaders have questioned several of its claims and references.
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