In a revealing chapter from the upcoming book ,In Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers, former Congress spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee provides a unique glimpse into the late former President Pranab Mukherjee’s thoughts on Rahul Gandhi’s political evolution. Describing Rahul as “very courteous” and “full of questions,” Mukherjee candidly expressed that the young leader was “yet to mature politically.”
The book delves into Mukherjee’s personal diary entries, capturing a meeting on March 25, 2013, where he observed, “He has an interest in a diverse range of subjects but moves very quickly from one subject to another. I don’t know how much he listened and absorbed.”
Highlighting Mukherjee’s guidance to Rahul, the narrative underscores the former president’s advice to the Wayanad MP to gain firsthand governance experience by joining the Cabinet. These anecdotes offer a nuanced perspective on the political journey of one of India’s prominent leaders.
Another significant revelation surfaces in the chapter titled *The PM India Never Had*. Sharmistha recalls a conversation with her father regarding his potential candidacy for the Prime Minister’s position in 2004. Despite considerable support from colleagues and coalition partners, Pranab Mukherjee opted to step aside for Dr. Manmohan Singh. He straightforwardly asserted, “No, she will not make me the PM. It’ll be Manmohan Singh.” This decision, made with a pragmatic understanding of the political landscape, adds depth to Mukherjee’s legacy.
The book, filled with such insightful reflections, provides readers with a closer look at the personal and political dimensions of Pranab Mukherjee’s life.
