New Delhi, Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the late former President Pranab Mukherjee, provided intricate insights into her father’s stance regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the launch of her book, “Pranab My Father: A Daughter Remembers.”
In a poignant revelation, Sharmistha shared that she was the bearer of the news about Rahul Gandhi tearing a proposed ordinance in 2013. The incident stirred intense emotions in Pranab Mukherjee, who, upon learning about it, was notably furious. This disclosure unfolded during the book launch event, shedding light on the complex dynamics between her father and the Congress leader.
While acknowledging her father’s principled opposition to the ordinance, Sharmistha scrutinized Rahul Gandhi’s actions, branding them as “extremely arrogant and politically immature.” According to her, Pranab Mukherjee held the view that Rahul Gandhi, lacking Cabinet membership, lacked the authority to take such drastic steps and bypass the established procedures.
The context of this incident dates back to 2013 when the Supreme Court ruled that MPs and MLAs convicted with a minimum two-year sentence would be immediately disqualified without a three-month appeal window, as was the case until then. Responding to this, the ruling Congress government introduced an ordinance attempting to overturn this rule. Rahul Gandhi vehemently opposed the ordinance, denouncing it as “complete nonsense” and symbolically tearing a copy during a press conference.
Sharmistha Mukherjee, during the book launch, didn’t shy away from expressing her father’s perspective that Rahul Gandhi “lacked the killer instinct and also had a distance from the party.” This nuanced revelation adds depth to the intricate relationship dynamics within the political sphere.
