'I witnessed that historic moment’, says Ashok Gehlot on Sonia Gandhi declining PM’s post in 2004

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader, Ashok Gehlot, has shared an emotional message following the release of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi's autobiography, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. Recalling the historic political developments of 2004, Gehlot said he was personally present in Parliament's Central Hall when Sonia Gandhi declined the post of Prime Minister, despite widespread support from United Progressive Alliance (UPA) leaders and MPs.

Gehlot described Sonia Gandhi's decision to renounce the post of Prime Minister in 2004 as one of the most remarkable examples of sacrifice and political commitment in Indian politics.

In a detailed post on social media platform X, the former CM reflected on Sonia Gandhi's political journey following the release of her autobiography and recalled witnessing the historic moment in Parliament's Central Hall when Sonia Gandhi declined to become Prime Minister.

Gehlot said that all UPA MPs wanted Sonia Gandhi to assume the country's highest executive office, but she chose otherwise.

Recalling the events of 2004, Gehlot wrote that Sonia Gandhi's autobiography provides details of the circumstances surrounding her decision to decline the Prime Minister's post.

He described her life as an example of sacrifice, dedication and struggle, qualities that he said were increasingly rare in contemporary politics.

The Congress leader said Sonia Gandhi's decision to decline the Prime Minister's post was not motivated by a desire for political power but reflected her commitment to India and the Congress.

According to Gehlot, her priority at the time was to strengthen the ideological fight against the politics of the RSS and the BJP. He said the decision demonstrated her political conviction, spirit of sacrifice and commitment to the Congress.

Gehlot further asserted that even today, the Gandhi family remains at the forefront of the ideological opposition to the RSS and the BJP.

Gehlot also referred to the political challenges and attacks faced by the Gandhis over the years and said numerous conspiracies had been directed against the family, but its members had faced difficult circumstances and personal attacks with dignity.

According to the former Chief Minister, despite sustained political challenges, the Gandhi family has continued its struggle to protect the Constitution, democratic values, social harmony and the country's unity and integrity.

Concluding his message, Gehlot said Sonia Gandhi's life demonstrates that politics should not be viewed merely as a means of acquiring power.

He described her decision to decline the Prime Minister's position as an example of the willingness to relinquish even the highest office for the sake of ideology, principles and organisational commitment.

Sonia Gandhi's autobiography offers an account of her personal life, political journey and the circumstances surrounding some of the most significant moments in her public career.

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