Pranab Mukherjee's Conversation With Daughter
Sharmishtha Mukherjee, daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, revealed insights from her book “Pranab My Father: A Daughter Remembers.” Pranab Mukherjee, according to Sharmishtha, felt excluded from Rajiv Gandhi’s cabinet due to his “non-subservient” attitude, cherishing his time with Indira Gandhi as the “golden period” of his political life.
The book, launched on Pranab Mukherjee’s birth anniversary, includes his views on Rahul Gandhi tearing the ordinance in 2013. Sharmishtha stated her father opposed the ordinance but believed it should be discussed in Parliament.
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She highlighted her father’s teamwork with PM Modi during his presidency and recounted her opposition to him attending an RSS event, emphasizing his belief in democratic dialogue.
Addressing criticism of the book, Sharmishtha noted limited responses from senior leaders, expressing disappointment at the lack of Congress leaders’ attendance at the launch.
She clarified that her book faithfully represents her father’s views and discussed Pranab Mukherjee’s loyalty to Indira Gandhi, his rise post-Emergency, and the historical context of the imposition of Emergency.
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Sharmishtha addressed stories of trust deficit with Rajiv Gandhi, attributing it to planted stories and her father’s strong personality. She recalled his depression after being dropped from the Congress Working Committee in 1986, forming the Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress, and later returning to Congress.
The book delves into Pranab Mukherjee’s disappointment at not being included in PV Narsimha Rao’s cabinet but being offered the Planning Commission chairman’s post. Sharmishtha praised the working relationship between her father and Manmohan Singh, highlighting their mutual respect.
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On the question of the President’s post, Sharmishtha revealed uncertainty about her father being the first choice but noted Indira Gandhi exploring possibilities, including Hamid Ansari. The book provides a nuanced look at Pranab Mukherjee’s political journey, shedding light on his principles, relationships, and the challenges he faced.
