Pranab Mukherjee….the dramatic decade….
This semi autobiography and semi biography of Indira Gandhi can be summarised as a silent ode to Indira…
Beginning from the pre independent era, touching up his birth, couple of snippets about his father, then a good build up to the formation of Bangladesh and then the actual heart of the matter which is the Indira Gandhi years!.
I must say though that the description and formation of Bangladesh has been dealt with a semi neutral mindset and the book is a must read till then!…
The moment the focus shifts to Indira the narrative is almost devotional and partial to the T!…..Even to the extent that he has penned down three chapters sugar coating the need for Emergency!….
At the end of which I guess even Pranab Da realized his folly and concluded that it was unnecessary!….
Then again the book written by Margaret Alva had similar thoughts about Indira and Sanjay Gandhi and Emergency but it was more honest in appeal and more away from putting the sheep clothing over the wolf!…
Of course like many biographies, this one too has lots of self moments and point of view which would of course be antagonistic to the other’s viewpoint or in many cases the truth!….
The justification of political manipulations is something very consistent even to seasoned politicians!….
So while the opposition and ruling party alternate in the assembly, the general public suffers!!….the same old story!!….
At the end of it I fail to understand how someone so intelligent or strong can just give in to nepotism and the Raj!….
Also I fail to understand how Rajya Sabha which is an important body is having people who have lost faith of the people!
Is the membership to this prime body not by merit!??…. Only appeasement works as even concurred by Margaret!…
This attempt is a safe venture steering clear of any of the misdeeds of either Emergency or Indira or Sanjay!…don’t expect any great revelations or scoops!…..read it to get a overview and move on…..
Expectating more fireworks in his next book!!…..
ramadocblog 