Pranab Mukherjee’s Loss of Faith in Rahul Gandhi Attributed to Controversial “Nonsense” Jab

Pranab Mukherjee Lost Faith in Rahul Gandhi After ‘Nonsense’ Jab: Daughter

Late Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India, had lost faith in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership abilities after his “complete nonsense” and “should be torn up, thrown away” comments about an ordinance proposed by the Congress-led government in 2013, according to his daughter Sharmishtha Mukherjee. In her book titled “Pranab My Father,” she revealed that this incident, along with other factors such as Rahul Gandhi’s frequent disappearing acts and scheduling confusion, led her father to doubt his capability to lead not only the party but also the country.

The incident in question involved an ordinance that aimed to overturn a Supreme Court ruling, which stated that convicted MPs and MLAs would be instantly disqualified without the three-month appeal period. Rahul Gandhi criticized the ordinance, stating that it was a wrong political decision. Sharmishtha Mukherjee informed her father about Rahul’s comments, and he was furious, questioning Rahul’s audacity. However, he agreed with Rahul Gandhi in principle, believing that wider consultation was necessary, and the ordinance should have been passed as an Act rather than an ordinance.

Despite agreeing with him in principle, Pranab Mukherjee was appalled at Rahul Gandhi’s protest, especially since the then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was abroad. He also emphasized the importance of considering the impact on coalition partners. These incidents, along with Rahul Gandhi’s immaturity in politics, led Pranab Mukherjee to lose faith in him, particularly after the Congress’ poor performance in the 2014 elections.

The book also delves into Pranab Mukherjee’s aspirations to become the Prime Minister after the Congress’ victory in 2004. Sharmishtha Mukherjee revealed that her father desired the position but knew his limitations and the trust issues with Sonia Gandhi. He believed that Sonia Gandhi chose a Prime Minister who wouldn’t challenge her family’s interests. Despite not being chosen as Prime Minister, Pranab Mukherjee maintained good relations with Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Sharmishtha Mukherjee acknowledged that her father may have criticized Rahul Gandhi but would have appreciated his dedication, tenacity, and outreach during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. It is important to note that even though Pranab Mukherjee lost faith in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, he still recognized his positive qualities.