New Delhi, The book launch of ‘Pranab My Father’ by Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the late President Pranab Mukherjee, held in New Delhi on the 11th of December, garnered attention not only for the commemoration of Pranab Mukherjee’s 88th birth anniversary but also for the notable absence of prominent Congress leaders, except for P. Chidambaram.
The event, which saw the release of the book offering a personal perspective on Pranab Mukherjee’s life, particularly his extensive political journey, unfolded against the backdrop of recent controversial remarks made by Sharmistha Mukherjee about the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi. Despite her critical statements, P. Chidambaram, a veteran Congress leader, chose to attend the launch.
Sharmistha Mukherjee, a former Congress spokesperson, expressed her disappointment during the event, noting the absence of other invited Congress members. She emphasized that Chidambaram’s presence was conspicuous, becoming the only representative from the Congress party at the book launch.
The book, ‘Pranab: My Father: A Daughter Remembers,’ delves into various aspects of Pranab Mukherjee’s life, encompassing his lifelong association with the Congress party and his roles in the UPA I and UPA II Cabinets. The revelations made by Sharmistha Mukherjee in a recent TV interview, where she highlighted her late father’s opinion on Rahul Gandhi’s suitability for the prime ministerial role, added an additional layer of intrigue to the event.
Sharmistha Mukherjee stated that her father had considered Rahul Gandhi lacking in political acumen and perceived an “arrogance” associated with the Gandhi-Nehru lineage without the necessary instincts for leadership. Despite these revelations, the book reportedly contains few references to Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress party’s absence from the event raises questions about internal dynamics and the need for introspection, as pointed out by Sharmistha Mukherjee herself. Her remarks have sparked reactions within the party, with some suggesting political motives behind the disclosure.
In summary, P. Chidambaram’s lone presence at the book launch becomes a significant moment in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the content of ‘Pranab My Father,’ urging reflection within the Congress party.
