10 facts to know about Congress President Sonia Gandhi

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is one of the most talked about persons of Indian politics. Ranging from her foreign origin, to her leading a national party, all have been hotly debated upon. She has a large set of both admirers and critics.But all said and done, Sonia has been able to create a place for herself in politics, a field alien to her before she married former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Sonia finds herself surrounded by controversies most of the times and things are definitely not in her favour after her party's drubbing in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.There was a time when she was called to rescue the party from the pit. This time again, she is being looked upon by her party members to rejuvenate the party. Sonia has often been described as one of the most powerful ladies of the world.Here are 10 facts about Sonia Gandhi, a veteran congress leader and widow of Rajiv Gandhi: 1. Sonia Gandhi was born to Stefano and Paola Maino in Luisiana, Italy. She was brought up in a traditional catholic family. Her father owned a small construction business in Orbassano. During World War II, he joined the army to fight against Soviet Military for Adolf Hitler.He was also a loyal supporter of Mussolini. Sonia Gandhi is survived by her two sisters and mother, who still reside in Italy.Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin has often been an issue of controversy that opponents of Congress are always ready to rake up. In 2004 when the UPA government had come to power, the defeated BJP launched attacks on her foreign origin and threatened to boycott any swearing- in ceremony if she was made the Prime Minister.However Sonia herself declined the post and Dr Manmohan Singh was given the prestigious post. 2. Sonia Gandhi is an extremely controversial person. Education qualification also stands as a controversy. Sonia was educated in a convent as she belonged to a traditional Roman Catholic family. She attended a Catholic school.Sonia had a natural liking for English. In1964 she went to study the subject at the Bell Educational Trust's language school in the city of Cambridge. In order to pay off her tuition fee, she worked at a small restaurant. It was a Greek restaurant called Varsity. Little did she know that here she was about to meet the man of her life. It was from here that her life was destined to change forever. 3. Sonia Gandhi met Rajiv Gandhi(Former Prime Minister of India) at a Greek restaurant in Cambridge. It was love at first sight for both the girl and boy.Sonia by then was unaware of Rajeev's background and the fact that he was son of Indira Gandhi (who at that point of time was the Prime Minister). After the first time that they set their eyes on each other, Sonia and Rajiv met on several occasions because Rajiv asked for her hand in marriage.Rajiv Gandhi sought permission from Indira, who agreed to the match. Sonia's parents however, were reluctant. Eventually they too agreed.The couple married in a traditional Indian way. For Rajiv, Sonia tried to learn Hindi and wore sarees and suits. Sonia was often spotted on Delhi roads sitting behind husband Rajiv Gandhi on his Lambretta scooter during the early days of their marriage.They often used to take Indira Gandhi for ice cream. They were considered to be quite an adorable pair. 4. Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi were blessed with two children – Rahul and Priyanka. Sonia Gandhi is criticized for making Rahul the General Secretary of the Congress party.Most people feel that he doesn't have the quality of being a politician. Priyanka on the other hand, who has strong resemblance of her grand mother Indira Gandhi, is adamant not to join mainstream politics.The two kids seem very much like their parents.Despite belonging to the famous ‘Nehru' clan, Rajiv stayed far away from politics and worked as a pilot, till he was left with no alternative.Sonia too always kept herself busy with family affairs. Both joined politics out of pressure to keep the family name alive and the Congress party going. 5. Sonia's world came crashing down on her when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated. She was then offered to be the Prime Minister but Sonia declined and P V Narasimha Rao was given the post. Sonia wanted to stay away from politics.After Indira and Sanjay's death, she sensed danger in Rajiv joining politics. She tried to stop him but in vain. Her dread became reality after his assassination.So all Sonia knew was that she had to protect her children and herself. During this phase she would often get after Narasimha Rao to deliver justice to her husband and the murderers arrested as soon as possible. But after Rajiv, the Congress party didn't have a face.It performed terribly in the elections and was crumbling down. Its only hope was their leader's widow. Sonia had campaigned for her husband hence she understood politics to a certain extent.After enormous persuasion, she agreed to join the dwindling party and became its leader in 1998. 6. Sonia Gandhi may have been oblivious of her political skills but her party had faith in her. Within 62 days of joining as a primary member, she was offered the party President post which she accepted.Then she went on to contest her first Lok Sabha Elections in 1999. She contested from both Bellary (Karnataka) and Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.Sonia Gandhi won both the seats. Sonia Gandhi defeated Sushma Swaraj from Bellary. Even then Sushma was a powerful leader. Sonia decided to keep her husband's constituency.In 1999 she was made Leader of Opposition when Atal Behari Vajpayee's government came to power. 7. Sonia is a hygiene freak. Before important meetings at her residence, she ensures that everything is spotlessly clean. If required she does the dusting herself. After the meeting sessions, she gets the entire room cleaned to its normal state.This can be reflected in her dressing too. She always wraps a perfectly smooth saree that has not a single trace of crease.Her helper goes around with her wherever she goes so that she can tidy herself. Her hair too is always neatly done up. Sonia likes to keep her surroundings decorated too. She is skilled at painting and enjoys oil painting. 8. Italians are recognized by their excellent cooking skills. Sonia Gandhi too can make mouth watering Italian dishes. She is an excellent chef. Sonia often prepares red chilly oil, a base for salad dressing. Now her life is way too busy but when she was newly married, she would keep herself busy by going through cookery books. Sonia's favorite dish is pasta. Indira Gandhi too was fond of Sonia's delicious pasta.Due to age, and health issues, she now often eats just dal and chappatis. Sonia now has to avoid pastas, pizzas and noodles. Sonia Gandhi enjoys having coffee too. Though even coffee is not good for health but it is something that she cannot resist. 9. Sonia Gandhi is a well read person. Her daily routine includes reading as many newspapers as possible in the morning.She is an avid reader. Her favorite author of all times is Munshi Premchand. Godaan is one of her favorite novels.Sonia does not have any particular taste for reading. She has a diverse taste in books. Sonia Gandhi has a gift for languages. She can speak around nine languages.These languages include French, German, Hindi too. Sonia Gandhi does Yoga everyday to keep herself fit. She has done a course in art restoration and paintings that continue to inspire her. 10. Sonia Gandhi loves to dress well. Her perfectly ironed cotton sarees are just excellent. She was listed as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50s by the Guardian in March 2013. Her daughter Priyanka, often helps her select the right colors.Now people see her dressed in just sarees and suits. But there was a time when Sonia would walk the streets of Delhi in western outfits. She likes wearing gowns, skirts and jeans.But as a public servant and in order to create a closer bond with the Indian masses, Sonia left her westernized dressing behind and adapted to the Indian culture.