Sonia Gandhi (born 9 December 1946) is an Indian politician and the longest-serving president of the Indian National Congress. Born in Italy, she married Rajiv Gandhi, son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. After Rajiv’s assassination she took over the leadership of the party and led it back to power in 2004, when she famously declined the prime ministership. She is now a member of the Rajya Sabha and chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party.
Quick Facts
| Birth name | Edvige Antonia Albina Màino |
| Born | 9 December 1946, Lusiana, Veneto, Italy |
| Age | 79 |
| Party | Indian National Congress |
| Offices | Congress president (1998–2017, 2019–2022); UPA chairperson |
| Current role | Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan (since 2024) |
| Former constituency | Rae Bareli (Lok Sabha, 2004–2024) |
| Spouse | Rajiv Gandhi (m. 1968; d. 1991) |
| Children | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra |
Early Life
Sonia was born in the village of Lusiana in northern Italy and grew up in Orbassano, near Turin. In 1964 she went to Cambridge, England, to study English at a language school. There she met Rajiv Gandhi, who was studying at the university.
Marriage into the Gandhi Family
Sonia and Rajiv married in 1968, and she moved to India, living in the household of her mother-in-law, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Their children, Rahul and Priyanka, were born in 1970 and 1972. She became an Indian citizen in 1983. Rajiv entered politics after his brother Sanjay’s death and became Prime Minister after Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984. He was himself assassinated in 1991.
Political Career
After Rajiv’s death, Sonia at first refused to enter politics. She joined the Congress in 1997 as the party weakened and became its president in 1998. She rebuilt the party organisation and entered the Lok Sabha in 1999.
In 2004 the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance unexpectedly defeated the BJP-led government. Sonia declined to become Prime Minister and instead nominated Manmohan Singh. As UPA chairperson and head of the National Advisory Council, she championed welfare laws such as the rural employment guarantee, the Right to Information Act and the Food Security Act. The UPA won again in 2009.
After the Congress’s heavy defeat in 2014, Sonia handed the presidency to Rahul Gandhi in 2017. She returned as interim president from 2019 until 2022, when Mallikarjun Kharge was elected. She represented Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha for two decades. In 2024 she moved to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan and handed Rae Bareli to Rahul. She has been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in the National Herald case and has denied any wrongdoing.
Personal Life
Sonia Gandhi has been a widow since 1991. Her son Rahul is Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and her daughter Priyanka represents Wayanad in the Lok Sabha. She has regularly appeared on international lists of the world’s most powerful women.
Key Offices Held
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Sonia Gandhi born?
Sonia Gandhi was born on 9 December 1946 in Lusiana, Veneto, Italy.
