New Delhi, Nov 21: Congress President Sonia Gandhi gave her first television interview after nine years. The theme of her conversation with India Today‘s news anchor Rajdeep Sardesai was centred around the 100th birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi. While speaking on a range of issues, Sonia did not abort the controversial question regarding  similarities being noticed by some political analysts between Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi. The Congress veteran categorically denied any similarities between the two leaders. “It does not trouble me when someone says Narendra Modi is like Indira Gandhi because there is no comparison,” she said.
Sonia Gandhi was also asked about transferring the reigns of her party to her son Rahul Gandhi. However, she ducked the question saying that the interview should not turn political but only be focused around Indira Gandhi. There have been rumours that the 69-year-old, who is leading Congress since 1998, is now looking to take a backseat
Chances of Congress’ revival
Sonia Gandhi denied the speculation that Congress would not longer be a key contender in national politics as it has been wiped out in states after states. On being asked whether there is a possibility that Congress could reclaim its electoral base, Sonia Gandhi replied, “I believe we can bounce back from 44 seats in Lok Sabha to complete majority in 2019. It is very much possible.” She also briefly mentioned the era when Indira was routed out of power, only to be brought back 3 years later with a brute majority.
On being asked whether there is any other leader in the Congress who can challenge Narendra Modi, Sonia replied that there is no dearth of politicians within her party who can take on the Prime Minister.However, she did not name Rahul as the face of Congress would collide against Modi in 2019.
On Indira Gandhi’s unprecedented popularity
Rajdeep Sardesai mentioned about a poll conducted in 2004 about the most recognized politician in India. Even two decades after her death, Indira Gandhi outmatched all other politicians of the contemporary era. Sonia claimed that the reason behind Indira’s unforgettable memory among people is because she showed enormous amount of empathy towards the plight of underprivileged class. “She had deep compassion and empathy for the underserved,” she said, adding, “something which is very much missing in today’s politics.”
On Emergency
“Indira Gandhi was completely devoted towards her people. She was willing to give up everything including her life for the people of this country,” Sonia said in the interview. On Emergency, Sonia carefully answered the question by highlighting the efforts taken to eliminate the diseases which have have plagued the system. “I cannot say how she [Indira Gandhi] would see Emergency today, but if she had not felt extremely uncomfortable she would not have called for elections,” she was quoted as saying by India Today.
Does Priyanka resembles Indira?
Rajdeep Sardesai pointed out before Sonia that people have been drawing comparisons between Indira and Priyanka Gandhi. Sonia answered, “Everyone in our family was influenced by Indira. I was influenced in one manner, Rahul was influenced in some other way and Priyanka in another manner. We all have been influenced by her personality.”
Memories which Indira left for Sonia
Sonia did not mince words to reiterate that she entered politics due to Indira Gandhi. Recalling Indira as a person, Sonia said she was an excellent teacher who gave her some important lessons of life through her notes.
“She had a very acute sense of humour. She was a wonderful writer. She wrote to friends, colleagues and family members. She used to leave little notes for us,” Sonia said. “While listing her hobbies, Sonia pointed out that Indira was a fan of classical art, folk music, folk arts and environmental beauties.