Pranab Mukherjees Daughter Sharmishthas Book Launch: Unraveling the Former Presidents Political Journey

Sharmishtha Mukherjees book, Pranab My Father: A Daughter Remembers, offers insights into former President Pranab Mukherjees political career, his relationships with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and his assessment of Rahul Gandhi.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee's daughter, Sharmishtha Mukherjee, has revealed insights into her father's political journey through her book titled "Pranab My Father: A Daughter Remembers." The book, launched on the occasion of Mukherjee's birth anniversary, offers a glimpse into his experiences, relationships, and perspectives on various political events.

Mukherjee's Stint with Indira Gandhi

Sharmishtha Mukherjee described the period when her father worked with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as the "golden period" of his political life. According to Mukherjee's diaries, Indira Gandhi kept a close watch on him, and he remained loyal to her throughout his career.

Assessment of Rahul Gandhi

The book also touches upon Mukherjee's assessment of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sharmishtha Mukherjee revealed that her father opposed the proposed ordinance that Rahul Gandhi tore at a press conference in 2013, but he believed it should be discussed in Parliament.

Working Relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Sharmishtha Mukherjee highlighted the positive working relationship between her father and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as President. She mentioned that they worked as a team and engaged in constructive dialogue.

Opposition to Attending RSS Event

Sharmishtha Mukherjee recalled her opposition to her father's decision to attend an RSS event. She had a disagreement with him for several days, but he ultimately explained that his attendance was not about legitimizing the organization but about engaging in dialogue and upholding democracy.

Trust Deficit with Rajiv Gandhi

The book addresses the trust deficit between Pranab Mukherjee and Rajiv Gandhi, who succeeded Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister. Sharmishtha Mukherjee attributed this to planted stories that portrayed her father as not supporting Rajiv Gandhi's leadership. She also mentioned Mukherjee's staunch personality and non-subservient attitude as contributing factors.

Expulsion from Congress and Return

Sharmishtha Mukherjee recounted her father's expulsion from the Congress Working Committee in 1986 and his subsequent expulsion from the party later that year. She described his depression during this period and his decision to form the Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress before eventually returning to the Congress.

Working Relationship with Manmohan Singh

Sharmishtha Mukherjee spoke about the cordial working relationship between her father and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She emphasized the mutual respect and exemplary courtesy they showed each other, despite their differences.

Mukherjee's Candidacy for President

When asked whether Pranab Mukherjee was the first choice for the President's post, Sharmishtha Mukherjee stated that she was unsure of his exact position in the selection process. However, she mentioned that her father's diaries indicated that Indira Gandhi was exploring the possibility of Hamid Ansari's candidacy.

Sharmishtha Mukherjee's book provides valuable insights into the life and political career of former President Pranab Mukherjee. It offers a personal perspective on his relationships, challenges, and contributions to Indian politics, shedding light on significant events and interactions that shaped his journey.