# 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.
- Title: Rahul’s warning haunts Sonia after Rajiv Gandhi assassination
- Summary: Sonia Gandhi recalls Rahul’s warning about Rajiv’s security two months before his 1991 assassination.
- Keywords: sonia gandhi, rahul gandhi, rajiv gandhi, assassination, special protection group, vp singh government, sriperumbudur, tamil nadu, belonging memoir, india, India Today
- Source: India Today — https://indiatoday.in/india/story/sonia-gandhi-memoir-rahul-warning-rajiv-gandhi-assassination-spg-cover-ptag-3035806-2026-11-10
- Author: India Today News Desk
- Published: 2026-11-10T05:18:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sonia gandhi, rahul gandhi, rajiv gandhi, assassination, special protection group, vp singh government, sriperumbudur, tamil nadu, belonging memoir, india, news
## 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?
## Key takeaway

Sonia Gandhi wrote that Rahul Gandhi warned his mother about Rajiv Gandhi’s security two months before his 1991 assassination.