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The Untold Vajpayee The Life and Times of a Poet Politician
The Untold Vajpayee : The Life and Times of A Poet Politician by ULLEKH NP , 9780670088782
272 pages, Hardcover
Published December 15, 2016
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March 25, 2019
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born as the son of a primary school teacher in rural India and went on to become the country's first non-Congress Prime Minister who lasted the full term of office. A born orator and moderate by conviction, Vajpayee commanded respect across party lines. His admirers and well-wishers in other parties described him as ‘a good man in a bad party’. He built bridges across national boundaries in a genuine bid for rapprochement with neighbouring countries. His love of poetry, unconventional family life and a flair for material comforts marked him out as a different kind of politician who is honest and down to earth. After the tenure of six years as prime minister, Vajpayee retired from active public life in 2005. That was a descent to oblivion as he developed Alzheimer's disease and suffered a stroke in 2009 which took away his power of speech. He was removed from public view as well and passed away peacefully on August 16, 2018. His death is an unforgettable memory for me on a personal level. It was the day on which a devastating flood ravaged Keralaand thousands of people, including me, had to leave their homes with the rising water level. I noticed Vajpayee’s obituary on a restaurant television while waiting despairingly for food in a corner, hungry and exhausted. This book is a critical review of Vajpayee’slife by Ullekh N.P., who is a journalist and political commentator. He has worked for almost two decades with some of India's biggest news publications.
Vajpayee began his career by joining the RSS in 1948, atthe ‘late’ age of 24, and became associated with the Jana Sangh after his mentor Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s unexpected and mysterious death in the custody of the Jammu and Kashmir police. He fought in a by-election to Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, but came third with 28% of the votes. In the second general election in 1957 he contestedin threeLok Sabha seats simultaneously. He won in Balrampur, came second in Lucknow and lost deposit in Mathura. The Jana Sangh ended up with only fourseats in the House, while the Communist Party of India became the foremost opposition with 27 seats. However, Vajpayee proved himself as a leader of the masses and his oratorical skills mesmerized the audience in public rallies and meetings Jana Sangh would have remained a marginal party in Indian politics had Indira Gandhi not went ahead with her populist economic policies that polarized the economy. The financialmeltdown caused by on-the-spur nationalisation of crucial businesses evoked strong opposition to the ruling Congress, spearheaded by the veteran socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan known as JP. Jana Sangh’s affiliation with the JP movement proved the crucial turning point. With the help of his trusted colleague L K Advani, Vajpayee firmed up their bid to align with the JP movement as part of a grand strategy to transform the Sangh into a larger political entity attractive to people outside its core constituency. They met JP and impressed upon him that their party was not ‘fascist and bigoted’, but a disciplined entity with upright and selfless workers (p.72).
Parliament provided the opportunity to Vajpayee to understand his and his party’s limitations and then go beyond them. It smoothened his sharp edges as an aggressive Hindu nationalist to a statesman. Though he ruthlessly cut down rivals in verbal duels during parliamentary debates, he obtained friends even from the opposing political spectrum. Ullekh notes down instances when the Jana Sangh and even the CPI made political alliances. The Sangh’salliance with the CPI to form the SamyuktaVidhayakDal to unseat the Congress was a case in point. Strange it may seem, but opposition to such analliance came from the Sangh, the hardliners of which viewed the Communist Party as a plague in Indian politics. This alliance was repeated in 1977, 1989 and 1991 as well. This book presents a case on the other end of the political divide as well. Rajiv Gandhi's soft-Hindutva line is said to have found favour with the RSS who would secretly meet him to offer tips in politics (p.143). It must be remembered that Rajiv openedthe gates of the disputed structure at Ram Janmabhoomiin Ayodhyato the Hindus for worship and himself kick-started his 1989 election campaign from Ayodhya.
Ullekh comes from a family of Marxist politicians in Kannur, Kerala and his continuing contact and influence in the top echelons of CPM is an open secret. This book seems to have a hidden agenda to malign respected figures of the nation. The author does this by attacking the persons Vajpayee adored. He was in awe of the Arya Samaj foundedby DayanandSaraswati and so, Ullekhdigs up a few allegations against Saraswati himself. Vajpayee was under the spell of RSS leader Golwalkar, and hence some irrelevant facts derogatory to Golwalkarare squeezed into the narrative. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and DeendayalUpadhyaya are also made victims to this bout of mudslinging that finds its origin in communist propaganda material. A reference he takes is from the People's Democracy magazine run by the CPM (p.22 footnote 5). Then come snippets from political blogs and dubious online news services like ‘thewire.in’(p.57 footnote 8). Remarks made by noted leftist painter Chittaprosad Bhattacharya are couched in decorated attire to look like impartial opinion. Books written by Jose Kuruvachira, a Catholic priest and evangelist who indulges in religious conversions, are cited as source material for the strange criticism against Saraswati’sShuddhi movement that worked to take converted people back to the Hindu fold (p.26).
The first part of the book makes mean and baseless allegations against Vajpayee which keeps the reader wondering about the author’s true intentions in writing the book. However, the treatment is kindlier after he reached the national centre-stage. In the early period, Ullekh takes great pains to belittle Vajpayee on every count of political stock-taking. The leader is accused to nurture a public persona very different from his real one and a vaulting ambition. Counterfactual claims hurled by leftist propaganda find mention in the book such as RSS’ collusion with Indira Gandhi during Emergency. This is ironical as the organisation was banned during that period and its leaders put in jail. It was the Communists who shared power with Indira and supported the Emergency as directed by its political bosses in the Soviet Union. Then again, the book drops a hint that Vajpayee was behind the hawala scam that sidelined Advani at a crucial point in his career. Completely taken in by a remark made by Congress leader M L Fotedar, he argues that Advani's public declaration in 1995 that Vajpayee would be the party’s prime ministerial candidate was made under the influence of M L Fotedar! The author caps it up with a summary of Vajpayee’s personality as having a weakness for highly anglicized affluence-tinged personal style and elitist bearing. Needless to say, these accusations are made without the least burden of proof.
The book’s analysis is slightly more objective in the latter half of Vajpayee’s life. The 1977 elections changed the course of Indian politics and he became the minister for Foreign Affairs in the Desai cabinet. The author grudgingly concedes the foreign policy achievements made by Vajpayee’s candid approach to long-term enemies. Rapid improvements in ties with China and Pakistan became possible during his tenure. A unique accomplishment for Ullekh is his exemplary description of Vajpayee’s style of public speaking on page 112. I think nobody has expressed this in a better way. Several chapters are earmarked for his years as prime minister, of which the pride of place is given to the nuclear testing in 1998 which subjected the country to economic sanctions imposed by the US. The only thing on which the Indian Left and the US converge is their opposition to India's testing of nuclear devices! Both condemned it to the hilt and the author suggests that it was unnecessary because China, supposedly in its goodwill, had declared a unilateral ceasefire in 1962 (p.190). Release of terrorists in response to the hijacking of a passenger plane in 1999 may arguably be the lowest point in his career.
This book clarifies two aspects of Vajpayee’s career over with much have been argued. The author confirms that he had not praised Indira Gandhi by comparing her to Goddess Durga in the aftermath of the 1971 War. What he had done was to laud her resilience in the face of grave challenges (p.82). Also, in 1984 when Delhi was burning in an anti-Sikh riot stage-managed by the Congress party with the implicit approval of the government, Vajpayee rescued a few Sikhs by bravely interposing between them and a riotous mob trying to get their hands on them. He held his ground till the police arrived.
The book displays a typical leftist propensity to pass spiteful comments on national leaders whose lives are not even linked to the narrative. A list of such eminent men was given earlier and the names of the Rani of Jhansi and Nana Sahib are to be added here. The author slyly suggests that the Rani fought the British for personal motives than patriotism as the annexation of Awadh in 1856 had deprived her and Nana Sahib of their status and income (p.11). This needless remark comes when Vajpayee’s life in Gwalior is mentioned. The book is poorly researched as there is not much description on Vajpayee’s early life in the RSS and Jana Sangh. But the author somewhat makes up for this with a good description of the post-1977 years.
The book is recommended only to those who can see through the political purpose and left-leaning of the author.
Vajpayee began his career by joining the RSS in 1948, atthe ‘late’ age of 24, and became associated with the Jana Sangh after his mentor Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s unexpected and mysterious death in the custody of the Jammu and Kashmir police. He fought in a by-election to Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, but came third with 28% of the votes. In the second general election in 1957 he contestedin threeLok Sabha seats simultaneously. He won in Balrampur, came second in Lucknow and lost deposit in Mathura. The Jana Sangh ended up with only fourseats in the House, while the Communist Party of India became the foremost opposition with 27 seats. However, Vajpayee proved himself as a leader of the masses and his oratorical skills mesmerized the audience in public rallies and meetings Jana Sangh would have remained a marginal party in Indian politics had Indira Gandhi not went ahead with her populist economic policies that polarized the economy. The financialmeltdown caused by on-the-spur nationalisation of crucial businesses evoked strong opposition to the ruling Congress, spearheaded by the veteran socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan known as JP. Jana Sangh’s affiliation with the JP movement proved the crucial turning point. With the help of his trusted colleague L K Advani, Vajpayee firmed up their bid to align with the JP movement as part of a grand strategy to transform the Sangh into a larger political entity attractive to people outside its core constituency. They met JP and impressed upon him that their party was not ‘fascist and bigoted’, but a disciplined entity with upright and selfless workers (p.72).
Parliament provided the opportunity to Vajpayee to understand his and his party’s limitations and then go beyond them. It smoothened his sharp edges as an aggressive Hindu nationalist to a statesman. Though he ruthlessly cut down rivals in verbal duels during parliamentary debates, he obtained friends even from the opposing political spectrum. Ullekh notes down instances when the Jana Sangh and even the CPI made political alliances. The Sangh’salliance with the CPI to form the SamyuktaVidhayakDal to unseat the Congress was a case in point. Strange it may seem, but opposition to such analliance came from the Sangh, the hardliners of which viewed the Communist Party as a plague in Indian politics. This alliance was repeated in 1977, 1989 and 1991 as well. This book presents a case on the other end of the political divide as well. Rajiv Gandhi's soft-Hindutva line is said to have found favour with the RSS who would secretly meet him to offer tips in politics (p.143). It must be remembered that Rajiv openedthe gates of the disputed structure at Ram Janmabhoomiin Ayodhyato the Hindus for worship and himself kick-started his 1989 election campaign from Ayodhya.
Ullekh comes from a family of Marxist politicians in Kannur, Kerala and his continuing contact and influence in the top echelons of CPM is an open secret. This book seems to have a hidden agenda to malign respected figures of the nation. The author does this by attacking the persons Vajpayee adored. He was in awe of the Arya Samaj foundedby DayanandSaraswati and so, Ullekhdigs up a few allegations against Saraswati himself. Vajpayee was under the spell of RSS leader Golwalkar, and hence some irrelevant facts derogatory to Golwalkarare squeezed into the narrative. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and DeendayalUpadhyaya are also made victims to this bout of mudslinging that finds its origin in communist propaganda material. A reference he takes is from the People's Democracy magazine run by the CPM (p.22 footnote 5). Then come snippets from political blogs and dubious online news services like ‘thewire.in’(p.57 footnote 8). Remarks made by noted leftist painter Chittaprosad Bhattacharya are couched in decorated attire to look like impartial opinion. Books written by Jose Kuruvachira, a Catholic priest and evangelist who indulges in religious conversions, are cited as source material for the strange criticism against Saraswati’sShuddhi movement that worked to take converted people back to the Hindu fold (p.26).
The first part of the book makes mean and baseless allegations against Vajpayee which keeps the reader wondering about the author’s true intentions in writing the book. However, the treatment is kindlier after he reached the national centre-stage. In the early period, Ullekh takes great pains to belittle Vajpayee on every count of political stock-taking. The leader is accused to nurture a public persona very different from his real one and a vaulting ambition. Counterfactual claims hurled by leftist propaganda find mention in the book such as RSS’ collusion with Indira Gandhi during Emergency. This is ironical as the organisation was banned during that period and its leaders put in jail. It was the Communists who shared power with Indira and supported the Emergency as directed by its political bosses in the Soviet Union. Then again, the book drops a hint that Vajpayee was behind the hawala scam that sidelined Advani at a crucial point in his career. Completely taken in by a remark made by Congress leader M L Fotedar, he argues that Advani's public declaration in 1995 that Vajpayee would be the party’s prime ministerial candidate was made under the influence of M L Fotedar! The author caps it up with a summary of Vajpayee’s personality as having a weakness for highly anglicized affluence-tinged personal style and elitist bearing. Needless to say, these accusations are made without the least burden of proof.
The book’s analysis is slightly more objective in the latter half of Vajpayee’s life. The 1977 elections changed the course of Indian politics and he became the minister for Foreign Affairs in the Desai cabinet. The author grudgingly concedes the foreign policy achievements made by Vajpayee’s candid approach to long-term enemies. Rapid improvements in ties with China and Pakistan became possible during his tenure. A unique accomplishment for Ullekh is his exemplary description of Vajpayee’s style of public speaking on page 112. I think nobody has expressed this in a better way. Several chapters are earmarked for his years as prime minister, of which the pride of place is given to the nuclear testing in 1998 which subjected the country to economic sanctions imposed by the US. The only thing on which the Indian Left and the US converge is their opposition to India's testing of nuclear devices! Both condemned it to the hilt and the author suggests that it was unnecessary because China, supposedly in its goodwill, had declared a unilateral ceasefire in 1962 (p.190). Release of terrorists in response to the hijacking of a passenger plane in 1999 may arguably be the lowest point in his career.
This book clarifies two aspects of Vajpayee’s career over with much have been argued. The author confirms that he had not praised Indira Gandhi by comparing her to Goddess Durga in the aftermath of the 1971 War. What he had done was to laud her resilience in the face of grave challenges (p.82). Also, in 1984 when Delhi was burning in an anti-Sikh riot stage-managed by the Congress party with the implicit approval of the government, Vajpayee rescued a few Sikhs by bravely interposing between them and a riotous mob trying to get their hands on them. He held his ground till the police arrived.
The book displays a typical leftist propensity to pass spiteful comments on national leaders whose lives are not even linked to the narrative. A list of such eminent men was given earlier and the names of the Rani of Jhansi and Nana Sahib are to be added here. The author slyly suggests that the Rani fought the British for personal motives than patriotism as the annexation of Awadh in 1856 had deprived her and Nana Sahib of their status and income (p.11). This needless remark comes when Vajpayee’s life in Gwalior is mentioned. The book is poorly researched as there is not much description on Vajpayee’s early life in the RSS and Jana Sangh. But the author somewhat makes up for this with a good description of the post-1977 years.
The book is recommended only to those who can see through the political purpose and left-leaning of the author.
August 1, 2019
The book is full of well-known stories about the Ex-Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, except they are in bit details.
Vajpayee's professional life is no secret and everyone knows about it, what was surprising was to know about his personal life and his ideologies.
I was too young during his tenure as the Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004 and I was uninterested in politics at that time.
I picked this book because I wanted to know more about him as after this death everyone praised him like he was some kind of saintly man but while he was alive, I have heard that he was severely criticized by the opposition and sometimes by his own people.
After reading this book I realized that I had a completely different version of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in my mind, which changed a little bit after reading this book.
I am not saying that I am taking every word in this book as truth because nothing in politics is true and almost always biased, but there is information on him the validity of which cannot be denied.
He was not like Modi and he was definitely not a Hindu nationalist as I thought him to be.
Vajpayee was shrewd, clever and a brilliant Politician. He would destroy his opponents if need aroused and he knew how to keep people in his control.
That was a real revelation about him which I didn't know.
I always thought that he was a simple man. I also believed that he was more powerful than Advani but turns out I was wrong.
He was more respected than Advani but Advani had more control over Hindu nationalists and organizations than him.
Vajpayee in fact opposed Hindu nationalists and was averse to their lifestyle.
He would drink, flirt and eat beef as well. This was a side of his personality that I didn't know.
Vajpayee was born before independence so he was an integral part of Indian history and his upbringing had happened in such a way that he had been a socialist at a period of time, a communist briefly and finally a nationalist.
He had gone through lots of philosophical journeys and then chose one ideology to stay with the rest of his life.
Vajpayee was not Pro-Hindutva as most people think him to be.
But he was a true nationalist and Pro-Nation.
He was responsible for enhancing foreign relations with the world and he also tried everything in his power to heal the Indo-Pak relations. It is ironical that the more he tried to heal the Indo-Pak relations, the more he was backstabbed by Pakistan.
I agree that he improved the Indian Economy during his tenure and also improved the infrastructure of the country at the fastest rate possible.
But he was not completely honest and incorruptible.
His cabinet was comprised of people who were either his relatives or his friends and not necessarily the ablest person.
He was extremely partial towards his son-in-law, his adopted daughter and his advisor Brijesh Mishra.
He always lived a life of luxury and comfort and though he was a bachelor, he was not a celibate.
Reading the book I understood many things about the personality.
He would claim that he didn't need power but the few evidence about his life proves otherwise that he was a power-hungry man.
The man who promoted him to be the Prime Minister, Advani was later looked down upon by him when he came to know that others want Advani and not him to become the prime minister.
He didn't like Narendra Modi despite Modi worshipping him and even asked Advani once to remove him from Gujrat after Godhara Riots. He wanted to do it just to please the press, the opposition and the minority communities. He succumbed to the pressure they had created. I admire Modi so much today because Modi never yields in front of pressure.
Vajpayee believed that Modi was responsible for letting Gujrat burn deliberately despite Modi doing all the efforts to stop it. He even made an indirect comment on him by advising him to follow Rajdharma when he is at such a high chair. Modi replied that he is doing exactly the same thing.
Vajpayee was not a saint as I thought he was and neither he was a person who took pride in Hindu culture.
He was a man of mixed beliefs.
Despite him criticizing Nehru during his early years, I truly believe that he had more Nehru traits than of any other politician.
He was just the Nehru one the other side.
Vajpayee's professional life is no secret and everyone knows about it, what was surprising was to know about his personal life and his ideologies.
I was too young during his tenure as the Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004 and I was uninterested in politics at that time.
I picked this book because I wanted to know more about him as after this death everyone praised him like he was some kind of saintly man but while he was alive, I have heard that he was severely criticized by the opposition and sometimes by his own people.
After reading this book I realized that I had a completely different version of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in my mind, which changed a little bit after reading this book.
I am not saying that I am taking every word in this book as truth because nothing in politics is true and almost always biased, but there is information on him the validity of which cannot be denied.
He was not like Modi and he was definitely not a Hindu nationalist as I thought him to be.
Vajpayee was shrewd, clever and a brilliant Politician. He would destroy his opponents if need aroused and he knew how to keep people in his control.
That was a real revelation about him which I didn't know.
I always thought that he was a simple man. I also believed that he was more powerful than Advani but turns out I was wrong.
He was more respected than Advani but Advani had more control over Hindu nationalists and organizations than him.
Vajpayee in fact opposed Hindu nationalists and was averse to their lifestyle.
He would drink, flirt and eat beef as well. This was a side of his personality that I didn't know.
Vajpayee was born before independence so he was an integral part of Indian history and his upbringing had happened in such a way that he had been a socialist at a period of time, a communist briefly and finally a nationalist.
He had gone through lots of philosophical journeys and then chose one ideology to stay with the rest of his life.
Vajpayee was not Pro-Hindutva as most people think him to be.
But he was a true nationalist and Pro-Nation.
He was responsible for enhancing foreign relations with the world and he also tried everything in his power to heal the Indo-Pak relations. It is ironical that the more he tried to heal the Indo-Pak relations, the more he was backstabbed by Pakistan.
I agree that he improved the Indian Economy during his tenure and also improved the infrastructure of the country at the fastest rate possible.
But he was not completely honest and incorruptible.
His cabinet was comprised of people who were either his relatives or his friends and not necessarily the ablest person.
He was extremely partial towards his son-in-law, his adopted daughter and his advisor Brijesh Mishra.
He always lived a life of luxury and comfort and though he was a bachelor, he was not a celibate.
Reading the book I understood many things about the personality.
He would claim that he didn't need power but the few evidence about his life proves otherwise that he was a power-hungry man.
The man who promoted him to be the Prime Minister, Advani was later looked down upon by him when he came to know that others want Advani and not him to become the prime minister.
He didn't like Narendra Modi despite Modi worshipping him and even asked Advani once to remove him from Gujrat after Godhara Riots. He wanted to do it just to please the press, the opposition and the minority communities. He succumbed to the pressure they had created. I admire Modi so much today because Modi never yields in front of pressure.
Vajpayee believed that Modi was responsible for letting Gujrat burn deliberately despite Modi doing all the efforts to stop it. He even made an indirect comment on him by advising him to follow Rajdharma when he is at such a high chair. Modi replied that he is doing exactly the same thing.
Vajpayee was not a saint as I thought he was and neither he was a person who took pride in Hindu culture.
He was a man of mixed beliefs.
Despite him criticizing Nehru during his early years, I truly believe that he had more Nehru traits than of any other politician.
He was just the Nehru one the other side.
April 28, 2017
Great man, average book
August 17, 2019
The book is full of well-known stories about the Ex-Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, except they are in a bit less details.
Vajpayee's professional life is no secret and everyone knows about it, what was surprising was to know about his personal life and his ideologies.
I was too young during his tenure as the Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004 and I was uninterested in politics at that time.
I picked this book because I wanted to know more about him as after this death everyone praised him like he was some kind of saintly man but while he was alive, I have heard that he was severely criticized by the opposition and sometimes by his own people.
After reading this book I realized that I had a completely different version of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in my mind, which changed a lot after reading this book.
I am not saying that I am taking every word in this book as truth because nothing in politics is true and almost always biased, but there is information on him the validity of which cannot be denied.
He was not like Modi and he was definitely not a Hindu nationalist as I thought him to be.
Vajpayee was shrewd, clever but at the same time a brilliant Politician. He would destroy his opponents if need aroused and he knew how to keep people in his control.
That was a real revelation about him which I didn't know.
I always thought that he was a simple man. I also believed that he was more powerful than Advani but turns out I was wrong.
He was more respected than Advani but Advani had more control over Hindu nationalists and organizations than him.
Vajpayee in fact opposed Hindu nationalists and was averse to their lifestyle.
He would drink, flirt and eat beef as well. This was a side of his personality that I didn't know.
Vajpayee was born before independence so he was an integral part of Indian history and his upbringing had happened in such a way that he had been a socialist at a period of time, a communist briefly and finally a nationalist.
He had gone through lots of philosophical journeys and then chose one ideology to stay with the rest of his life.
Vajpayee was not Pro-Hindutva as most people think him to be.
But he was a true nationalist and Pro-Nation.
He was responsible for enhancing foreign relations with the world and he also tried everything in his power to heal the Indo-Pak relations. It is ironical that the more he tried to heal the Indo-Pak relations, the more he was backstabbed by Pakistan.
I agree that he improved the Indian Economy during his tenure and also improved the infrastructure of the country at the fastest rate possible.
But he was not completely honest and incorruptible.
His cabinet was comprised of people who were either his relatives or his friends and not necessarily the ablest person.
He was extremely partial towards his son-in-law, his adopted daughter and his advisor Brijesh Mishra.
He always lived a life of luxury and comfort and though he was a bachelor, he was not a celibate.
Reading the book I understood many things about his personality.
He would claim that he didn't desire power but the few evidence about his life proves otherwise that he was a power-hungry man.
The man who promoted him to be the Prime Minister, Advani was later looked down upon by him when he came to know that others want Advani and not him to become the prime minister.
He didn't like Narendra Modi despite Modi worshipping him and even asked Advani once to remove him from Gujrat's CM post after Godhara Riots. He wanted to do it just to please the press, the opposition and the minority communities. He succumbed to the pressure they had created. I admire Modi so much today because Modi never yields in front of pressure.
Vajpayee believed that Modi was responsible for letting Gujrat burn deliberately despite Modi doing all the efforts to stop it. He even made an indirect comment on Modi by advising him to follow Rajdharma. Modi replied that he is doing exactly the same.
Vajpayee was not a saint as I thought he was and neither he was a person who took pride in Hindu culture.
He was a man of mixed beliefs.
Despite him criticizing Nehru during his early years, I truly believe that he had more Nehru traits than of any other politician.
He was just the Nehru one the other side.
Vajpayee's professional life is no secret and everyone knows about it, what was surprising was to know about his personal life and his ideologies.
I was too young during his tenure as the Prime Minister from 1999 to 2004 and I was uninterested in politics at that time.
I picked this book because I wanted to know more about him as after this death everyone praised him like he was some kind of saintly man but while he was alive, I have heard that he was severely criticized by the opposition and sometimes by his own people.
After reading this book I realized that I had a completely different version of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in my mind, which changed a lot after reading this book.
I am not saying that I am taking every word in this book as truth because nothing in politics is true and almost always biased, but there is information on him the validity of which cannot be denied.
He was not like Modi and he was definitely not a Hindu nationalist as I thought him to be.
Vajpayee was shrewd, clever but at the same time a brilliant Politician. He would destroy his opponents if need aroused and he knew how to keep people in his control.
That was a real revelation about him which I didn't know.
I always thought that he was a simple man. I also believed that he was more powerful than Advani but turns out I was wrong.
He was more respected than Advani but Advani had more control over Hindu nationalists and organizations than him.
Vajpayee in fact opposed Hindu nationalists and was averse to their lifestyle.
He would drink, flirt and eat beef as well. This was a side of his personality that I didn't know.
Vajpayee was born before independence so he was an integral part of Indian history and his upbringing had happened in such a way that he had been a socialist at a period of time, a communist briefly and finally a nationalist.
He had gone through lots of philosophical journeys and then chose one ideology to stay with the rest of his life.
Vajpayee was not Pro-Hindutva as most people think him to be.
But he was a true nationalist and Pro-Nation.
He was responsible for enhancing foreign relations with the world and he also tried everything in his power to heal the Indo-Pak relations. It is ironical that the more he tried to heal the Indo-Pak relations, the more he was backstabbed by Pakistan.
I agree that he improved the Indian Economy during his tenure and also improved the infrastructure of the country at the fastest rate possible.
But he was not completely honest and incorruptible.
His cabinet was comprised of people who were either his relatives or his friends and not necessarily the ablest person.
He was extremely partial towards his son-in-law, his adopted daughter and his advisor Brijesh Mishra.
He always lived a life of luxury and comfort and though he was a bachelor, he was not a celibate.
Reading the book I understood many things about his personality.
He would claim that he didn't desire power but the few evidence about his life proves otherwise that he was a power-hungry man.
The man who promoted him to be the Prime Minister, Advani was later looked down upon by him when he came to know that others want Advani and not him to become the prime minister.
He didn't like Narendra Modi despite Modi worshipping him and even asked Advani once to remove him from Gujrat's CM post after Godhara Riots. He wanted to do it just to please the press, the opposition and the minority communities. He succumbed to the pressure they had created. I admire Modi so much today because Modi never yields in front of pressure.
Vajpayee believed that Modi was responsible for letting Gujrat burn deliberately despite Modi doing all the efforts to stop it. He even made an indirect comment on Modi by advising him to follow Rajdharma. Modi replied that he is doing exactly the same.
Vajpayee was not a saint as I thought he was and neither he was a person who took pride in Hindu culture.
He was a man of mixed beliefs.
Despite him criticizing Nehru during his early years, I truly believe that he had more Nehru traits than of any other politician.
He was just the Nehru one the other side.
July 18, 2017
Spoiler Alert - There is nothing Untold about this book.
Majorly disappointing. In all honesty, it reads like a fancy Wikipedia entry. The author's "research" is only limited to books he has read with no new interviews and no set narrative. He digresses a lot. Like A LOT! In parts you are left wondering if this book is about Congress or Vajpayee or something else. Imagine talking about the 1997 election victory in a single page with half page dedicated to how Congress got Sonia Gandhi to agree to be the face of the party. Avoid at all costs.
PS : What's with web links in footnotes on a physical book. Are we supposed to click on that?
Majorly disappointing. In all honesty, it reads like a fancy Wikipedia entry. The author's "research" is only limited to books he has read with no new interviews and no set narrative. He digresses a lot. Like A LOT! In parts you are left wondering if this book is about Congress or Vajpayee or something else. Imagine talking about the 1997 election victory in a single page with half page dedicated to how Congress got Sonia Gandhi to agree to be the face of the party. Avoid at all costs.
PS : What's with web links in footnotes on a physical book. Are we supposed to click on that?
April 1, 2023
The book has been sufficiently descriptive and moved beautifully between chapters, just like Atalji’s own life.
A shrewd politician with only India and goodness if it’s people at his heart.
The man who upheld the Democracy just like his hero Nehru.
He should have been more decisive about Narendra Modi; India would have been a better place.
A shrewd politician with only India and goodness if it’s people at his heart.
The man who upheld the Democracy just like his hero Nehru.
He should have been more decisive about Narendra Modi; India would have been a better place.
December 18, 2020
The book is a compilation of Vajpayee's life but it was more like a really long news article than a biography. Nevertheless a good read if you do not know much about him.
April 4, 2020
A very insightful and amazing read. Offers a window into the life of one of the most astounding and charismatic politicians in the India.
Good read indeed.
Good read indeed.
August 13, 2017
I normally don't read too much of politics. But i could not resist buying this book since. like millions of Indians, I am just awed by this super hero of our times. I must say that I expected more narrative on the soft side of Vajpayee but the book ended up articulating twists and turns related to political India of which he was a part. Is it a coincidence that much of his style reverberates with the current incumbent (Narendra Modi)? (Humble background, working through the ranks, oratory skills, etc). Two differences emerge though. Modi is not a poet (which is a negative for Modi) and Modi is not surrounded by close relatives (which is a positive for Modi).
Long live Vajpayee, the phenomenon India cherishes forever!
Long live Vajpayee, the phenomenon India cherishes forever!
February 6, 2017
No original research and everything in the book is already known to anyone who follows indian politics keenly. The paradox of a politician who can act as a moderate loved by all one day and who can incite riots in Assam with his incendiary speech the other day is not exactly explored much. Nonetheless,an engaging read.
June 18, 2018
Ah well
Not a very good biography and reads more like a longish news article. Had very low hopes..which the author appears to have striven to achieve.
Not a very good biography and reads more like a longish news article. Had very low hopes..which the author appears to have striven to achieve.
April 27, 2018
A biographical account of PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee makes for an interesting read. I couldn’t help but feel that Vajpayee comes across more as a politician, albeit one with democratic values, than as a leader. The author also seems to be pulling his punches at times in holding ABV accountable for his flip flops between being a liberal and being a Hindutva hardliner by calling them his “brief excursions into hard-line camp”. His visits to Pakistan and China as exterior minister under PM Desai projects him as a liberal politician who’s also a master of foreign affairs, while at home his Nellie speech as well as his infamous “zameen ko samtal karna padega” speech projects him as a hardliner.
As PM, there isn’t much, at least in this book, for which ABV can personally be criticized. He faced tremendous challenges both externally and internally. Kargil war, Plane hijacking, Jayalalitha’s demands in lieu of support to Govt., corruption charges on BJP leaders, terrorist attack on parliament, Gujarat earthquake and 2002 riots are definitely top crises that he had to manage.
His personal life, which is not at all a matter of shame but rather one of celebration IMO, is written with a respect that he deserves. If only the people who harasses couples on Valentine Day would understand what love is, if from no one else than from Vajpayee, India would be a far happier place!
A tighter editing could have made the book far better though. E.g. 2001 attack on parliament and subsequent Operation Parakram (which lasted from 13 Dec 2001 to 10 Jun 2002 with 1,874 non-combat deaths of Indian soldiers as per TOI) is dealt within one paragraph, whereas on the very next page three paragraphs are given to produce the entire official statement for PM’s visit to Singapore and Cambodia!
Book: Could have been far better. Doesn’t exactly disappoint.
As PM, there isn’t much, at least in this book, for which ABV can personally be criticized. He faced tremendous challenges both externally and internally. Kargil war, Plane hijacking, Jayalalitha’s demands in lieu of support to Govt., corruption charges on BJP leaders, terrorist attack on parliament, Gujarat earthquake and 2002 riots are definitely top crises that he had to manage.
His personal life, which is not at all a matter of shame but rather one of celebration IMO, is written with a respect that he deserves. If only the people who harasses couples on Valentine Day would understand what love is, if from no one else than from Vajpayee, India would be a far happier place!
A tighter editing could have made the book far better though. E.g. 2001 attack on parliament and subsequent Operation Parakram (which lasted from 13 Dec 2001 to 10 Jun 2002 with 1,874 non-combat deaths of Indian soldiers as per TOI) is dealt within one paragraph, whereas on the very next page three paragraphs are given to produce the entire official statement for PM’s visit to Singapore and Cambodia!
Book: Could have been far better. Doesn’t exactly disappoint.
November 22, 2017
Inspite of being one of India’s most loved and indulged prime ministers; there are surprisingly very few books in the English language on Atal Bihari Vajpayee – the first non-Congress PM to serve a full term.
Journalist and political commentator Ullekh does a decent job of unraveling the enigma called Vajpayee – the man and the politician.
From his early days to getting into Parliament, his on-off relationship with the RSS, his slow and steady rise in the Jana Sangh before and later the BJP, his deft sidelining of whatever competition he had within the party, his collaborative and yet conflicting and competitive relationship with his fellow traveller Advani – the book is a reasonably detailed biography of one of our most humored Prime Ministers.
The author did not fall into the trap of producing a flowery hagiography and presents an unvarnished version of the Prime Minister. For once, a political biography goes into the uncharted territory of the personal life of a living politician - the strange and undefined relationship with Mrs Kaul and the extended family of hers is also covered exhaustively.
The book is like speed reading of history. No indepth analysis of the ex PMs thinking or his politics or his political compulsions as he navigated the most fractured coalition ever to rule our country. One feature that strikes us while reading is his ability to build relationships across the political spectrum and standing by those individuals.
History has been kinder to him than what he has earned legitimately by focusing on the virtues and overlooking the shortcomings and failings…. and so be it…why grudge?
Interesting book overall…..can somebody recommend a more scholarly and exhaustive book in English on Vajpayee please?
Journalist and political commentator Ullekh does a decent job of unraveling the enigma called Vajpayee – the man and the politician.
From his early days to getting into Parliament, his on-off relationship with the RSS, his slow and steady rise in the Jana Sangh before and later the BJP, his deft sidelining of whatever competition he had within the party, his collaborative and yet conflicting and competitive relationship with his fellow traveller Advani – the book is a reasonably detailed biography of one of our most humored Prime Ministers.
The author did not fall into the trap of producing a flowery hagiography and presents an unvarnished version of the Prime Minister. For once, a political biography goes into the uncharted territory of the personal life of a living politician - the strange and undefined relationship with Mrs Kaul and the extended family of hers is also covered exhaustively.
The book is like speed reading of history. No indepth analysis of the ex PMs thinking or his politics or his political compulsions as he navigated the most fractured coalition ever to rule our country. One feature that strikes us while reading is his ability to build relationships across the political spectrum and standing by those individuals.
History has been kinder to him than what he has earned legitimately by focusing on the virtues and overlooking the shortcomings and failings…. and so be it…why grudge?
Interesting book overall…..can somebody recommend a more scholarly and exhaustive book in English on Vajpayee please?
August 5, 2018
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is one of the doyens of Indian politics who cut his teeth during India's period of tumult between Nehru's passing, the rise and fall of Indira, the rise and fall of Rajiv and in many ways saw the congress gain and fade, all in a single lifetime. He had more shades of grey than the color grey itself but he brought much needed charisma, class and grace to Indian politics for which indian democracy shall forever be indebted. He was loved by people across battle lines and his willingness to engage in deliberations to seek solutions was appreciated by all. In terms of foreign policy and diplomacy he was astute, when it came to handling vipers within his own party he was firm. Vajpayee was one reason why extremist hindu politics did not become mainstream and why the RSS was kept under control. His conduct in parliament and his grace in handling opposition colleagues is something which is now far from missing in today's politics. Never one to use battle field gains for petty electoral narratives, Vajpayee is a man made of a different mettle. Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2015, he remains wracked by old age and failing health waiting to occupy the grand stand of Indian politics. This book captures the good, bad and ugly of the life and times of Vajpayee...thorough and insider's account...
March 27, 2023
As someone who grew up admiring Atal Bihari Vajpayee's speeches and reputation for earning the respect of even his opposition, I was eager to read a book that would further inspire me. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met as I found the book to be unengaging. While it did provide a detailed account of Vajpayee's political career, it read more like a Wikipedia page than a captivating story. Additionally, the author seemed to have a hidden agenda as he started off praising Vajpayee, only to reveal later on that he was disliked by members of his own party, not truly committed to Hindutva, and power-hungry. These claims do not align with the image of Vajpayee that many of us have come to know through his speeches and poems. In my opinion, his famous quote ("Sarkare Aayegi Jaayegi Magar Ye Desh Rahna Chahiye") and poem ("Hindu Tan Man Hindu Jivan") are better indicators of who Vajpayee truly was than this book.
August 25, 2017
First let me highlight the positives of the book : it gave fascinating insights about vajpayees personal relationship like his melange trois, billet doux with rajkumari, his moderating influence on RSS, his transformation from socialistic, religious extremism to capitalistic, moderate thinker. It also highlights how the nehruvian milieu around him shaped his career and character. It also throw lights on his steadfast resolve in eliminating the opponents behind his soft demeanor, his uneasy equations with modi( see the rajdharm video in YouTube while reading the passage) and advani. How he turned into a asiatic statesman. The drawbacks of this book is lack of research to give in depth analysis of his everything. Also it tells us many things which we have already known. Apart from this it is definitely one time read for all those interested in post independence politics.
September 19, 2018
A great book. Never knew that darker, mysterious side of Vajpayeeji.
The book by Ullekh reveals so many things about Vajpayeeji which couldn't have come without in-depth research and multiple interviews. The product is an honest, sincere account of a statesman and parliamentarian who deserved to be the Prime Minister of this country much earlier.
The books also takes the reader into the unconventional and nationalist part of Vajpayeeji and despite that by the end respect for the stalwart just increases. Great work Ullekh.
The book by Ullekh reveals so many things about Vajpayeeji which couldn't have come without in-depth research and multiple interviews. The product is an honest, sincere account of a statesman and parliamentarian who deserved to be the Prime Minister of this country much earlier.
The books also takes the reader into the unconventional and nationalist part of Vajpayeeji and despite that by the end respect for the stalwart just increases. Great work Ullekh.
January 5, 2018
One of the most respected politicians in the Indian politics, the book walks you through not only his personal life but also the events in India and the world which affected us the political structure of India in more than one way. For someone from the post 90s generation, it also peeks into what kind of turmoil and messy governance of those times.
For people interested in understanding the political scene and how and where BJP/Janata Dal stood a few decades back, this is a worthy read.
For people interested in understanding the political scene and how and where BJP/Janata Dal stood a few decades back, this is a worthy read.
May 20, 2018
Insightful view into a life of an extraordinary statesman we've had. The strength of the book is it doesn't take a reverential stand on its subject, but yet conveys the amazing person that he is. It rightly portrays the contradiction that he is. The book is enriching, not only by tracking Vajpayee's life, but also giving us a glimpse of post-Independence history of India while doing so.
April 11, 2023
"Samagri taiyaar hain" as these lines were told by N.Rao to Vajpayee during the Pokhran-2 sums up the book's content Samagri taiyaar hain you just need to start with it. The book sums up the journey of one of the most acceptable if not loveable politician, filled with perfect nuances n countless incidents that makes up this stalwart figure ATAL.
July 22, 2017
An average read and fails to analyse the man in its true sense.
Read
November 3, 2020An interesting read, brings out the inner personality of Mr Vajpai, his topsy-tipsy relationships with Advani , his pro-Congress attitude
October 24, 2021
Even handed portrayal of a very interesting politician
May 29, 2022
A very more than concise reading for the early Vajpayee enthusiast
September 25, 2022
A quick read about PM Vajpayee's life. It tries to paint a picture from the pov of the bee in a room. However, for people who have read Indian history and politics extensively might not find new, unheard content within it.
October 3, 2024
The book shows mostly one side of the late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Right from the Vajpayee Ji's childhood, journalist & writer Ullekh N P goes on to explore the factors which influenced the great orator and parliamentarian's ideological growth that consists of brief exposure to Arya samaj and communist ideology to full time RSS pracharak. Although most of the time has been given to BJP's founding member's involvement in shaping the ideological direction of RSS's political arm Jana Sangh and reshaping the political discourse of our country and later emerging as the most favourite politician of this great democratic republic.
Journey of this great leader has definitely been very tough considering he was committed to cause he had decided for himself. After almost 44 years in politics, he got the opportunity to work with greatest leaders of our country, to work in toughest times for our country, to work for the most difficult alliances of completely opposite ideologies, to make a dent in the agenda in Hindu nationalism ideology and most importantly to make BJP what it is today (well not today but before current prime minister Mr. Modi's government). Mr. Vajpayee shows that there is no limit to learning and the most you learn is from your opponents.
As this book seems to have been written using excerpts and inputs from close colleagues or admirers of Mr. Vajpayee, the writer is able to show mostly one side of the story but that bit is enough to show the not so great political history of our nation. Since no personal angles or inputs are taken from friends or family, the personal side of this charismatic leader has not been explored which would have suited Vajpayee Ji as he was very reserved with respect to discussing his personal complex life in public. To summarise, this book is a good read to start with. This book would take you to the depth of political discourse of our country and you would never be looking at current political scenario with the same lens.
Journey of this great leader has definitely been very tough considering he was committed to cause he had decided for himself. After almost 44 years in politics, he got the opportunity to work with greatest leaders of our country, to work in toughest times for our country, to work for the most difficult alliances of completely opposite ideologies, to make a dent in the agenda in Hindu nationalism ideology and most importantly to make BJP what it is today (well not today but before current prime minister Mr. Modi's government). Mr. Vajpayee shows that there is no limit to learning and the most you learn is from your opponents.
As this book seems to have been written using excerpts and inputs from close colleagues or admirers of Mr. Vajpayee, the writer is able to show mostly one side of the story but that bit is enough to show the not so great political history of our nation. Since no personal angles or inputs are taken from friends or family, the personal side of this charismatic leader has not been explored which would have suited Vajpayee Ji as he was very reserved with respect to discussing his personal complex life in public. To summarise, this book is a good read to start with. This book would take you to the depth of political discourse of our country and you would never be looking at current political scenario with the same lens.
July 5, 2020
Atal Bihari Vajpayee : The Ajatshatru Of Indian Politics
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I have a vision of India: an India free of hunger and fear, an India free of illiteracy and want.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The untold Vajpayee, Politician and paradox is a readable biography of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The latter was the former Prime minister of India.
For the detailed review you can visit -
https://dontbignorant.in/the-untold-v...
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I have a vision of India: an India free of hunger and fear, an India free of illiteracy and want.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The untold Vajpayee, Politician and paradox is a readable biography of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The latter was the former Prime minister of India.
For the detailed review you can visit -
https://dontbignorant.in/the-untold-v...
July 20, 2021
Enjoyable read. Closely traces the development of the former PM's personality and political beliefs, while parallely showcasing India's political scenario.
Beautifully brings out his poetic prowess, unique and endearing way of making speeches and the ever-so friendly persona, while continuing to have a shrewd and cunning understanding of party and politics. Must read if you have an interest in India's political history.
Beautifully brings out his poetic prowess, unique and endearing way of making speeches and the ever-so friendly persona, while continuing to have a shrewd and cunning understanding of party and politics. Must read if you have an interest in India's political history.
June 5, 2018
Nothing 'untold' in this book.
November 12, 2019
A very good book highlighting the life of one of India's most popular Prime Minister!!
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