From India Today · India Today News Desk · · 1m 30s
Rahul’s warning haunts Sonia after Rajiv Gandhi assassination
Sonia Gandhi recalls Rahul’s warning about Rajiv’s security two months before his 1991 assassination.
In brief
Sonia Gandhi recalls Rahul’s warning about Rajiv’s security two months before his 1991 assassination. Sonia Gandhi wrote that Rahul Gandhi warned his mother about Rajiv Gandhi’s security two months before his 1991 assassination. Originally reported by India Today.
Sonia Gandhi memoir
Sonia Gandhi writes about Rajiv Gandhi’s 1991 assassination in her book Belonging: A Journey of Love.
Assassination details
A woman detonated explosives while offering Rajiv Gandhi a garland in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991.
Rahul’s warning
Rahul Gandhi told his mother two months before the attack: 'If something isn’t done about Pa’s security, I know I’ll soon have to come back for his funeral.'
“If something isn’t done about Pa’s security, I know I’ll soon have to come back for his funeral.”
SPG cover withdrawal
The VP Singh government withdrew Rajiv Gandhi’s Special Protection Group cover a month after a committee decided it should continue unless a fresh threat assessment was warranted.
Sonia’s reaction
Sonia heard footsteps, felt uneasy, and learned Priyanka had been in a phone call about a bomb explosion and deaths.
Priyanka’s composure
Priyanka remained calm despite devastation, took charge of arrangements, and shielded Sonia from further pain.
Rajiv’s eye pledge
Rajiv had pledged to donate his eyes as his mother had, but the doctor said there was nothing left.
“Aankhen? Arre kya baat karte ho, kuchh nahin bacha hai, kuchh nahin!”
Rahul’s response
Rahul immediately confirmed Rajiv’s death and said he would have been at the scene if not for a schedule conflict.
“Papa is dead, isn’t he?”
What to remember
Sonia Gandhi wrote that Rahul Gandhi warned his mother about Rajiv Gandhi’s security two months before his 1991 assassination.
