Pranab Mukherjee’s Daughter Reveals Insights in Upcoming Book
A new book titled “In Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers” by Sharmistha Mukherjee sheds light on the political life of her father, former President Pranab Mukherjee. The book, set to be launched on December 11, Pranab Mukherjee’s birth anniversary, reveals previously unknown aspects of his career.
One particular incident mentioned in the book is when Sharmistha asked her father about his chances of becoming the Prime Minister in 2004. Pranab Mukherjee cryptically responded, “No, she will not make me the PM,” referring to Sonia Gandhi. At the time, Sonia Gandhi had decided to withdraw from the prime ministerial race, surprising many within her party and coalition partners.
The book also delves into Pranab Mukherjee’s unfulfilled ambition of becoming India’s Prime Minister, which arose from his inability to earn Sonia Gandhi’s trust. It also touches upon the personality cult around the Nehru-Gandhi family and Rahul Gandhi’s lack of charisma and political understanding.
Pranab Mukherjee served as India’s finance minister and held various other ministerial positions before becoming the country’s 13th president from 2012 to 2017. He passed away at the age of 84 on August 31, 2020.
The book reveals that Pranab Mukherjee did not harbor any disappointment or resentment towards Sonia Gandhi for not choosing him as the Prime Minister. He had no expectations from her in that regard. Sharmistha Mukherjee also mentions that her father’s diary entries from that time were brief, possibly due to his busy schedule.
The book highlights the sacrifice made by Sonia Gandhi in refusing the prime ministership, which Pranab Mukherjee considered a significant event. It also provides insights into his opinions on Rahul Gandhi, describing him as courteous and eager to learn but lacking political maturity.
Overall, “In Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers” offers a new perspective on Pranab Mukherjee’s political journey and his relationship with the Nehru-Gandhi family.
