Sonia Gandhi’s involvement with Indian public life began after the assassination of her mother-in-law and her husband’s election as Prime Minister.
As the Prime Minister’s wife she acted as his official hostess and also accompanied him on a number of state visits. In 1984, she actively campaigned against her husband’s sister-in-law Maneka Gandhi who was running against Rajiv in Amethi.
At the end of Rajiv Gandhi’s five years in office, the Bofors Scandal broke out. Ottavio Quattrocchi, an Italian business man believed to be involved, was said to be a friend of Sonia Gandhi, having access to the Prime Minister’s official residence.
Sonia reportedly acquired her Indian citizenship on 27 April 1983, when she surrendered her Italina passport. However, there was controversy in 1980 when her name appeared in the voter’s list for New Delhi prior to her becoming an Indian Citizen. More
