Sonia Gandhi Net Worth

Sonia Gandhi, the Italian-born Indian politician and former president of the Indian National Congress, has an estimated net worth of $3 million. As the widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the matriarch of India’s most influential political family, she has played a central role in shaping modern Indian politics. Over the years, Sonia has been regarded as one of the most powerful women in the world, leading the Congress Party for over two decades and guiding it through both victories and setbacks.

Sonia Gandhi Net Worth	$3 Million
Date of Birth	December 9, 1946
Place of Birth	Lusiana, Veneto, Italy
Profession	Politician

Table of Contents

Early Life

Sonia Gandhi was born Sonia Maino on December 9, 1946, in Lusiana, Veneto, Italy, to Stefano and Paola Maino. Raised in a Roman Catholic household with her two sisters, Nadia and Anoushka, Sonia grew up in the small town of Orbassano near Turin. Her father, a businessman, was known for his conservative political leanings and support for Italy’s National Fascist Party.

Sonia excelled in school and was described as a hardworking student. At 18, she moved to England to study English at the Bell Educational Trust in Cambridge, where she would eventually meet her future husband, Rajiv Gandhi.

Marriage to Rajiv Gandhi

While studying and working part-time in Cambridge, Sonia met Rajiv Gandhi, the son of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Their relationship blossomed, and in 1968, they married in a Hindu ceremony. Sonia later moved to India, where she became an integral part of the Gandhi family.

The couple had two children: Rahul Gandhi, born in 1970, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, born in 1972. Despite the political prominence of her family, Sonia initially preferred to stay away from the political limelight, focusing on her role as a wife and mother.

Entry into Politics

Sonia Gandhi’s life changed dramatically after the assassination of her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, in 1984, which pushed her husband Rajiv into the role of Prime Minister. Sonia accompanied him on state visits and diplomatic events, gradually becoming more visible in Indian public life.

When Rajiv was assassinated in 1991, Sonia resisted calls to take over the Congress leadership. For several years, she remained private. However, as the party struggled and fragmented, she formally joined the Indian National Congress in 1997 and became its president in 1998, a role she went on to hold for an unprecedented 19 years.

Leadership of the Indian National Congress

As president of the Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi oversaw one of its strongest comebacks. In 2004, she played a crucial role in forming the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), which defeated the BJP-led coalition. Despite being widely expected to take up the role of Prime Minister, Sonia declined and instead nominated Dr. Manmohan Singh, a decision that drew both admiration and criticism.

Under her leadership, the UPA retained power in 2009, making her one of the most influential figures in Indian politics. She became the longest-serving Congress president in 125 years and was consistently ranked among the most powerful women globally by Forbes and Time.

Wealth and Controversies

Sonia Gandhi’s declared net worth is $3 million (Sh450 million), according to her 2014 affidavit. However, her wealth has long been a subject of speculation and political debate. Some reports, including those from Business Insider and OpenSecrets.org, have suggested her fortune could be as high as $2 billion, allegedly tied to unverified claims of Swiss bank accounts linked to her late husband. These reports remain unconfirmed and controversial.

Return to Leadership

After stepping down as Congress president in 2017, Sonia Gandhi passed the mantle to her son Rahul Gandhi. However, following his resignation in 2019 after a poor election performance, Sonia returned as interim president, reaffirming her role as the party’s stabilizing force.

Despite health challenges, including a battle with cervical cancer in 2011, Sonia has remained active in public life and continues to campaign for Congress candidates across India.

Personal Life

Sonia Gandhi is admired for her resilience and dedication to her family. She has maintained close ties with her children, both of whom are active in Indian politics. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has also taken a more visible role in the Congress Party, ensuring the family’s continued influence.

Sonia’s personal story—from a young Italian woman to one of the most influential leaders in Indian politics—has been the subject of several books and biographies, including Sonia Gandhi: An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny by Rani Singh.