For No Reason At All: A curious espionage

by Ramjee Chandran

Based on true events, For No Reason at All captures the mood of the New Delhi administration, where its new, young prime minister must make a difficult decision.
In a time when global trade borders are opening, the reputable Metkem Silicon and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, collaborate to produce silicon metal locally.
But Anand Seshadri, the powerful head of the Department of Electronics pushes to import the technology from the US.
The ‘silicon metal controversy’ erupts, and the prime minister must Support Indian innovation? Or concede to foreign imports?
When Seshadri takes drastic, underhanded measures to discredit Metkem Silicon, the task of countering him falls to Metkem’s lobbyist—a young, adroit lobbyist named Adityan ‘Solly’ Nilla.
Things get interesting when Solly receives an unexpected call from the embassy of the Soviet Union. And then the French and the Americans, and the Indian intelligence get involved.
Set in the New Delhi of the 1980s, this tale of espionage, intrigue, deception and sexual escapade is pacy, funny . . . and sometimes touching.

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2025

Reviews

[Neeraj Sinha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was definitely readable especially because I could relate to some of the stuff mentioned. However it was quite predictable in a sense with hardly any surprises. There were many distractions that kind of put me off especially the sexual escapades of Soly Nila. That was not needed at all. He seemed like a desi version of James Bond without any action. The more puzzling character was Seshadri. The bureaucrats are the ultimate survivors and the kind of stubbornness he showed was beyond belief. Bureaucrats can be very ego driven but in front of their masters (the politicians), they tend to turn very meek. I found it surprising to see the way he was confronting the PM and the political system without doing any course correction at all. One doesn't expect such fool hardiness with seasoned bureaucrats.

[Enakshi J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

For No Reason at All is a gripping political thriller set in 1980s New Delhi, weaving together espionage, power struggles, and corporate intrigue. Based on true events, the novel captures the tension within India's administration as a young prime minister faces a critical decision regarding the country's technological independence. The conflict between local innovation and imports unfolds dramatically, with the ambitious lobbyist Adityan ‘Solly’ Nilla caught in the crossfire of government machinations, international interference, and intelligence operations.

The novel’s strengths lie in its fast-paced narrative and vivid portrayal of bureaucratic manoeuvring. The setting is richly detailed, immersing readers in a time when India was at a crossroads in economic policy and global relations. The espionage elements add an exciting layer to the story, making it more than just a political drama. Solly, the sharp-witted protagonist, is an engaging character whose resourcefulness keeps the plot moving. Despite its serious themes, the book’s humour and unexpected twists prevent it from becoming too heavy.

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[Kavita Jhala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dissecting truth from lies, gossip from facts and motives from actions – which in real life can be quite a task. However, that’s how human behaviour emerges as a result of so many factors blending and contradicting each other. Ramjee Chandran in his book ‘For No Reason At All’ put this to good use with a very stay-with-me story that involves secrets and administrative affairs during Rajiv Gandhi’s reign.

Fiction is woven with facts, not a page that goes sloppy or slow. Worry not if in the end, you begin to think that everything is real. It happens! Imagine a young PM, an old sordid administrative system and a country on the cusp of the next innovation! It can raise goosebumps.

The skillful interplay of fact and fiction in this book makes it an exciting read and makes the readers of the 1990s and later realize that they had it a lot easier given the paradigm shift and steps towards the focus on technology, innovation, and global outreach during the Rajiv Gandhi Government.

This fiction book was a refreshing break for me. I highly recommend it to all!

[Vineeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn interesting! Based on real events, 'For No Reason At All' reads like a thriller. Ramjee’s sharp journalistic eye and storytelling flair come together in this vivid account that reminds us how truth can often be stranger than fiction.

[Pranati Madhav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is humourous and so fast paced. Once you start reading you can't put it down. And you might even LOL. It is a very James Bond story set in 1980s Delhi. I highly recommend this one.