Friends Turned : The Surprising New Camaraderie Between Sonia Gandhi and Jaya Bachchan
In the world of politics, the only constant is change. One day you’re allies, the next you’re adversaries, and sometimes, you might just find yourself switching back to being friends. This unpredictable ebb and flow of relationships is a hallmark of political life. The recent rekindling of friendship between Congress MP Sonia Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan is a testament to this unpredictability, leaving many onlookers both surprised and intrigued.
The Roots of a Bitter Rivalry
The Gandhi and Bachchan families weren’t always at odds. In fact, they were once so close that Amitabh Bachchan’s mother, Teji Bachchan, played a significant role in helping Sonia Gandhi settle in India.
When Sonia decided to marry Rajiv Gandhi and move to India, it was Teji who took her under her wing, teaching her Hindi and guiding her through the intricacies of Indian culture.
This bond extended to the next generation as well, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra fondly recalling how “Teji aunty” had introduced her to poetry.
Back in the day, Rajiv Gandhi, Amitabh Bachchan, and Arun Nehru formed a close-knit trio, often compared to Rahul Gandhi and his contemporary political allies.
Amitabh even entered politics briefly to support his dear friend Rajiv, and his closeness to the family was so profound that he performed the kanyadaan ritual at Priyanka Vadra’s wedding, a significant gesture of familial bond in Indian culture.
The Rift That Changed Everything
However, the once-warm relationship between the Gandhis and the Bachchans didn’t last. The reasons for the fallout remain murky, shrouded in speculation and hearsay.
The most popular theory suggests that the Gandhis felt betrayed by Amitabh during the Bofors scandal, a major political controversy in the late 1980s.
The family expected Amitabh to stand by them during the crisis, but according to some reports, they felt let down. Amitabh’s own words, “They are the raja, and we are the ranks,” hinted at a deep-seated divide.
The bitterness was most palpable in Jaya Bachchan’s demeanor. She never minced words about her feelings toward the Gandhis, once openly expressing that they had hurt her husband deeply.
As Amitabh grew closer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the rift only deepened, with the Gandhis reportedly viewing the Bachchans as traitors to their long-standing friendship.
A Sudden and Surprising Shift
But politics, as unpredictable as it is, often demands unexpected alliances. Recently, the political landscape witness a shocking twist: Sonia Gandhi and Jaya Bachchan, the two women at the heart of this once bitter rivalry, were seen sharing a laugh together.
The sight of them standing side by side, united in purpose, left many wondering what had changed.
The turning point came during a heated session in the Rajya Sabha, where Jaya Bachchan was engage in a verbal duel with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
In a moment that caught everyone off guard, Sonia Gandhi signaled the INDIA bloc leaders to stand by Jaya. As Jaya passionately demanded an apology from the Vice President, Sonia stood behind her, lending her support—a gesture reminiscent of her solidarity with TMC MP Mahua Moitra during her disqualification controversy.
The Power of Political Compulsions
So, what caused this sudden thaw in their frosty relationship? The answer lies in the larger political picture. Senior leaders within the INDIA bloc have been working towards forging stronger alliances, particularly among women leaders.
Sources suggest that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee played a crucial role in bringing Sonia and Jaya back together.
Banerjee, a key player in the opposition alliance, reportedly emphasize the importance of unity and the need to move beyond past bitterness, especially after the recent electoral performance that saw the BJP’s numbers drop below a simple majority.
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A Full Circle Moment
It’s almost poetic how history seems to be repeating itself. Decades ago, the Bachchans helped Sonia Gandhi find her voice—quite literally, by teaching her Hindi. Today, as political realities shift, it seems that their shared history is once again drawing them together.
The friendship that once crumble under the weight of political drama is being rewritten, possibly the same forces that once tore it apart.
Conclusion
The new camaraderie between Sonia Gandhi and Jaya Bachchan is a reminder that in politics, nothing is ever set in stone. Friendships can crumble, but they can also be rebuilt, often drive the needs of the moment.
As the two women navigate the complex web of political alliances, their evolving relationship will be one to watch, perhaps offering insights into the broader shifts within Indian politics.
