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The Coalition Years
The Coalition Years begins its journey in 1996 and explores the highs and lows that characterized sixteen years of one of the most tumultuous periods in the nation’s political history. It is an insightful account of the larger governance phenomenon in India—coalition politics—as seen through the eyes of one of the chief architects of the post-Congress era of Indian politics.
From the inexplicable defeat of the Congress in the 1996 general elections and the rise of regional parties like the TDP and the TMC, to the compelling factors that forced the Congress to withdraw support to the I.K. Gujral government and the singular ability of Sonia Gandhi to forge an alliance with diverse political parties that enabled the Congress to lead the coalitions of UPA I and II, Pranab Mukherjee was a keen observer and an active participant in the contemporary developments that reshaped the course of the country’s political, economic and social destiny.
Beyond the challenges, complications and compulsions of coalition governments, this book is also a recollection of Mukherjee’s journey as the Cabinet Minister in the key ministries of defence, external affairs and finance, beginning from 2004. He recounts each of these events with candour—the path-breaking meeting with Henry Kissinger in 2004 that altered the course of the Indo–US strategic partnership, his timely advice to Bangladesh Army Chief Moeen Ahmed in 2008 that led to the release of political prisoners there and the differing views with RBI Governor D. Subbarao on the structure of the FSDC.
The third volume of Mukherjee’s autobiography is a sharp and candid account of his years at the helm. It offers the most authoritative account of contemporary Indian politics by one of the tallest leaders and statesmen of our generation.
From the inexplicable defeat of the Congress in the 1996 general elections and the rise of regional parties like the TDP and the TMC, to the compelling factors that forced the Congress to withdraw support to the I.K. Gujral government and the singular ability of Sonia Gandhi to forge an alliance with diverse political parties that enabled the Congress to lead the coalitions of UPA I and II, Pranab Mukherjee was a keen observer and an active participant in the contemporary developments that reshaped the course of the country’s political, economic and social destiny.
Beyond the challenges, complications and compulsions of coalition governments, this book is also a recollection of Mukherjee’s journey as the Cabinet Minister in the key ministries of defence, external affairs and finance, beginning from 2004. He recounts each of these events with candour—the path-breaking meeting with Henry Kissinger in 2004 that altered the course of the Indo–US strategic partnership, his timely advice to Bangladesh Army Chief Moeen Ahmed in 2008 that led to the release of political prisoners there and the differing views with RBI Governor D. Subbarao on the structure of the FSDC.
The third volume of Mukherjee’s autobiography is a sharp and candid account of his years at the helm. It offers the most authoritative account of contemporary Indian politics by one of the tallest leaders and statesmen of our generation.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2017
134 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Pranab Mukherjee
12 books22 followersPranab Mukherjee is an Indian politician who was the 13th President of India. A man of unparalleled experience in governance, he has the rare distinction of having served at different times as Foreign, Defence, Commerce and Finance Minister. He was elected to the Upper House of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) five times from 1969 and twice to the Lower House of the Parliament (Lok Sabha) from 2004. He was a member of the Congress Working Committee, the highest policy making body of the Party for a period of 23 years. A powerful orator and scholar, Shri Mukherjee’s intellectual and political prowess as well as remarkable knowledge of international relations, financial affairs and parliamentary process are widely admired. He has been acclaimed for his role as a consensus builder on difficult national issues through his ability to forge unity amongst the diverse political parties that form part of India’s vibrant multi-party democracy.
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August 31, 2020
অত্যন্ত একঘেয়ে স্মৃতিকথা। এত নিরস, বিরক্তিকরভাবে কেউ অতীত রোমন্থন করতে পারে তা জানতাম না। অন্তত এই বইটি না পড়লে জানা হতো না। লেখায় ন্যূনতম শ্রী নেই। যেন লিখতে হয় তাই লিখছি গোছের রচনা।
কোনো একক দলের কেন্দ্রে সরকার গঠনের দিন শেষ হয়ে গেছে ভারতে। নানান আঞ্চলিক দলের ওপর নির্ভর করছে সর্বভারতীয় দল জাতীয় কংগ্রেস ও বিজেপির। এই বার্তাটি ভিন্নভাবে দিয়েছেন প্রণব মুখার্জি।
তিনি কোয়ালিশন জোটের ভাঙা-গড়ার রাজনীতি খুব কাছ থেকে চাক্ষুষ করেছেন। ক্ষমতা ভাগাভাগি তথা মন্ত্রণালয় বন্টন কোয়ালিশন সরকারে খুবই ক্রিটিক্যাল ইস্যু হয়ে দাঁড়ায় তাও ঘটনাপ্রসঙ্গে উল্লেখ করেছেন।
কংগ্রেস একটুএকটু সোভিয়েট রাশা ঘেঁষা বলে মন্দলোকে রটায়। কারণ ১৯৭১ এ কংগ্রেসের আমলে মৈত্রী চুক্তি, নেহেরু-সোভিয়েট সম্পর্ক প্রভৃতির কথা লোকে কয়। কিন্তু প্রণব বাবু কহেন আলাদা বাত। তিনি খুবই স্পষ্টভাবে লিখেছেন প্রতিরক্ষামন্ত্রী থাকাকালে মার্কিনদেশের আস্থা অর্জনে মাথার ঘাম পায়ে ফেলতে তিনি কসুর করেননি।
সোনিয়া গান্ধি দলের সভাপতি। কিন্তু সরকারি কোনো পদ-পদবিতে না থেকেও পুরো সরকার তিনিই কীভাবে পরিচালনা করতেন তার ইঙ্গিতে কিছু ঘটনা আছে।
বাংলাদেশ নিয়ে বিশেষ উল্লেখ করার মতো তথ্য নেই। এটুকু মাথায় রাখুন, বর্তমান প্রধানমন্ত্রী শেখ হাসিনার সাথে প্রণব মুখার্জির খুবই হৃদ্যতাপূর্ণ সম্পর্ক। তিনি স্মরণ করেছেন, গেল তত্ত্বাবধায়ক সরকারের আমলে শেখ হাসিনা যখন গৃহবন্দি ছিলেন, তখন প্রণব মুখার্জি এটা নিয়ে ফখরুদ্দিনের তত্ত্বাবধায়ক সরকারকে চাপ দিয়েছিলেন।
প্রণব মুখার্জির কোয়ালিশন ইয়ার্স আর যাইহোক কোয়ালিটি লেভেলের রাইটিং নয়। বিশেষ গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কিছু নেই। থাকলেও লেখানীর চরম অদক্ষতার কারণে বোঝা যায়নি।
কোনো একক দলের কেন্দ্রে সরকার গঠনের দিন শেষ হয়ে গেছে ভারতে। নানান আঞ্চলিক দলের ওপর নির্ভর করছে সর্বভারতীয় দল জাতীয় কংগ্রেস ও বিজেপির। এই বার্তাটি ভিন্নভাবে দিয়েছেন প্রণব মুখার্জি।
তিনি কোয়ালিশন জোটের ভাঙা-গড়ার রাজনীতি খুব কাছ থেকে চাক্ষুষ করেছেন। ক্ষমতা ভাগাভাগি তথা মন্ত্রণালয় বন্টন কোয়ালিশন সরকারে খুবই ক্রিটিক্যাল ইস্যু হয়ে দাঁড়ায় তাও ঘটনাপ্রসঙ্গে উল্লেখ করেছেন।
কংগ্রেস একটুএকটু সোভিয়েট রাশা ঘেঁষা বলে মন্দলোকে রটায়। কারণ ১৯৭১ এ কংগ্রেসের আমলে মৈত্রী চুক্তি, নেহেরু-সোভিয়েট সম্পর্ক প্রভৃতির কথা লোকে কয়। কিন্তু প্রণব বাবু কহেন আলাদা বাত। তিনি খুবই স্পষ্টভাবে লিখেছেন প্রতিরক্ষামন্ত্রী থাকাকালে মার্কিনদেশের আস্থা অর্জনে মাথার ঘাম পায়ে ফেলতে তিনি কসুর করেননি।
সোনিয়া গান্ধি দলের সভাপতি। কিন্তু সরকারি কোনো পদ-পদবিতে না থেকেও পুরো সরকার তিনিই কীভাবে পরিচালনা করতেন তার ইঙ্গিতে কিছু ঘটনা আছে।
বাংলাদেশ নিয়ে বিশেষ উল্লেখ করার মতো তথ্য নেই। এটুকু মাথায় রাখুন, বর্তমান প্রধানমন্ত্রী শেখ হাসিনার সাথে প্রণব মুখার্জির খুবই হৃদ্যতাপূর্ণ সম্পর্ক। তিনি স্মরণ করেছেন, গেল তত্ত্বাবধায়ক সরকারের আমলে শেখ হাসিনা যখন গৃহবন্দি ছিলেন, তখন প্রণব মুখার্জি এটা নিয়ে ফখরুদ্দিনের তত্ত্বাবধায়ক সরকারকে চাপ দিয়েছিলেন।
প্রণব মুখার্জির কোয়ালিশন ইয়ার্স আর যাইহোক কোয়ালিটি লেভেলের রাইটিং নয়। বিশেষ গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কিছু নেই। থাকলেও লেখানীর চরম অদক্ষতার কারণে বোঝা যায়নি।
September 17, 2018
corruption...!
Nothing about UPA'scams...!!
How this is possible that these scams doesn't cover in this book and he hasn't mentioned it....!!
Nothing about UPA'scams...!!
How this is possible that these scams doesn't cover in this book and he hasn't mentioned it....!!
November 2, 2017
Just a compilation of news reports already in public domain. He missed to utter a single word on scams which mired UPA 2 regime. Disappointed.!!
October 4, 2020
Pranab Mukherjee, a seasoned politician who has seen it all from Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi, recollects his forty years in politics through a trilogy of sincere but boring books. His habit of maintaining diaries has ensured that no significant political or economic event is left untouched in these books but the transformation of those personal diaries and notings into readable tomes has not quite happened. He goes overboard in reproducing every formal speech made on different occasions verbatim . Despite the voluminous material, he conveniently does not go into the excesses of emergency or the cash-for-votes scam or the rampant corruption which derailed UPA-2. The trilogy feels like a sincere homework assignment submitted by a student but which general reader will want to read such an assignment ?
January 19, 2020
Didn't knew that Pranab Da is such a affluent writer.
He's name will reflect in one of the best president country has ever seen.
The book give a profound details of the policies which Pranab Da has been a part of and the role he played in implementation of those policies.
Whether it may be in terms of steering the economy,
policies on the retired Army personal's,
And the most important signing of the nuclear proliferation treaty,which was his and the country's most significant agreement since Independence,which promotes co-operation in peaceful use of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.
Indeed the book gives some intense facts on how the coalition works and how they implemented it with almost 18 parties lead by the congress.
And do give some interesting aspects on the Bengal politics which he hadn't ever desired to be part of.
It's a bit emotional depicting the life of former president who is so humbly admired by all party's politician's and his relationship with P.M Modi with goes as deep rooted as it can whether it may be from when Modi was the Gujarat C.M and even after becoming P.M.
The book is steered in a well mannered.
Giving it 4 🌟 because it a 3rd of 3 volume book series.
As still I have to read the first two volumes.
He's name will reflect in one of the best president country has ever seen.
The book give a profound details of the policies which Pranab Da has been a part of and the role he played in implementation of those policies.
Whether it may be in terms of steering the economy,
policies on the retired Army personal's,
And the most important signing of the nuclear proliferation treaty,which was his and the country's most significant agreement since Independence,which promotes co-operation in peaceful use of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.
Indeed the book gives some intense facts on how the coalition works and how they implemented it with almost 18 parties lead by the congress.
And do give some interesting aspects on the Bengal politics which he hadn't ever desired to be part of.
It's a bit emotional depicting the life of former president who is so humbly admired by all party's politician's and his relationship with P.M Modi with goes as deep rooted as it can whether it may be from when Modi was the Gujarat C.M and even after becoming P.M.
The book is steered in a well mannered.
Giving it 4 🌟 because it a 3rd of 3 volume book series.
As still I have to read the first two volumes.
July 26, 2019
An OK read !
The book doesn't touch the surface of the corruption cases that shook the core of the UPA -2 govt, which was disappointing as it was the root cause of their huge loss in the elections. Would have loved if he had given his view on the case. Although, there is mention of Anna Hazare and the Lokpal Bill, the book doesn't add much knowledge to the reader. Despite all this, the book doesn't give anything significant from what we already know about.
The book doesn't touch the surface of the corruption cases that shook the core of the UPA -2 govt, which was disappointing as it was the root cause of their huge loss in the elections. Would have loved if he had given his view on the case. Although, there is mention of Anna Hazare and the Lokpal Bill, the book doesn't add much knowledge to the reader. Despite all this, the book doesn't give anything significant from what we already know about.
September 1, 2025
#Binge Reviewing my previous Reads #Indian Government and Politics
The Coalition Years by Pranab Mukherjee is the final act of his memoir trilogy, and it reads like the seasoned reflections of a man who had seen it all, lived through it all, and finally decided to share the delicate balancing act that defined Indian politics from 1996 to 2012.
If The Dramatic Decade was about turbulence and Indira’s imprint, if The Turbulent Years chronicled the difficult journey of the Congress under Rajiv and beyond, then this one is about the sheer complexity of coalition dharma, where survival was often as important as vision.
Mukherjee writes in his signature style—measured, factual, unsentimental—but in this volume, there’s also a quiet wisdom, almost as though he is guiding the reader through a labyrinth of shifting alliances, ideological compromises, and tactical adjustments. He dissects the fall of governments, the rise of the BJP as a credible challenger, the United Front experiments, the NDA years, and finally the UPA era in which he himself was one of the tallest figures. What shines through is not just his encyclopaedic memory of events but his ability to analyze them with the calm detachment of someone who had learned to see politics as both art and survival strategy.
The UPA years naturally dominate the latter half, and Mukherjee offers candid glimpses into working with Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, and other key figures. His account is devoid of gossip or dramatics, but you can sense the quiet frustrations and the underlying tensions between different power centers. Yet, he never lapses into bitterness—his narrative is that of a political craftsman who knew that coalitions meant both possibility and constraint, both progress and paralysis.
What makes the book especially engaging is its value as a manual of contemporary Indian politics. Mukherjee lays bare the arithmetic of coalitions, the necessity of negotiation, and the patience required to hold together diverse regional and ideological partners. In his understated way, he is teaching us that coalition politics was not an aberration but the very expression of India’s fractured yet vibrant democracy.
There is also poignancy here—Mukherjee reflecting on why he was never chosen as Prime Minister despite his long service, and how he reconciled with destiny by serving as President, the highest constitutional office of the Republic. His acceptance of political fate without rancour lends the book a tone of dignity that is rare in memoirs of statesmen.
Reading The Coalition Years is like being in the company of a master strategist explaining not just what happened, but why it had to happen the way it did. It is history told not with melodrama but with institutional memory, revealing the compromises and the compulsions that made India’s parliamentary democracy both messy and resilient.
A fitting conclusion to Mukherjee’s trilogy—measured, thoughtful, and quietly powerful.
The Coalition Years by Pranab Mukherjee is the final act of his memoir trilogy, and it reads like the seasoned reflections of a man who had seen it all, lived through it all, and finally decided to share the delicate balancing act that defined Indian politics from 1996 to 2012.
If The Dramatic Decade was about turbulence and Indira’s imprint, if The Turbulent Years chronicled the difficult journey of the Congress under Rajiv and beyond, then this one is about the sheer complexity of coalition dharma, where survival was often as important as vision.
Mukherjee writes in his signature style—measured, factual, unsentimental—but in this volume, there’s also a quiet wisdom, almost as though he is guiding the reader through a labyrinth of shifting alliances, ideological compromises, and tactical adjustments. He dissects the fall of governments, the rise of the BJP as a credible challenger, the United Front experiments, the NDA years, and finally the UPA era in which he himself was one of the tallest figures. What shines through is not just his encyclopaedic memory of events but his ability to analyze them with the calm detachment of someone who had learned to see politics as both art and survival strategy.
The UPA years naturally dominate the latter half, and Mukherjee offers candid glimpses into working with Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, and other key figures. His account is devoid of gossip or dramatics, but you can sense the quiet frustrations and the underlying tensions between different power centers. Yet, he never lapses into bitterness—his narrative is that of a political craftsman who knew that coalitions meant both possibility and constraint, both progress and paralysis.
What makes the book especially engaging is its value as a manual of contemporary Indian politics. Mukherjee lays bare the arithmetic of coalitions, the necessity of negotiation, and the patience required to hold together diverse regional and ideological partners. In his understated way, he is teaching us that coalition politics was not an aberration but the very expression of India’s fractured yet vibrant democracy.
There is also poignancy here—Mukherjee reflecting on why he was never chosen as Prime Minister despite his long service, and how he reconciled with destiny by serving as President, the highest constitutional office of the Republic. His acceptance of political fate without rancour lends the book a tone of dignity that is rare in memoirs of statesmen.
Reading The Coalition Years is like being in the company of a master strategist explaining not just what happened, but why it had to happen the way it did. It is history told not with melodrama but with institutional memory, revealing the compromises and the compulsions that made India’s parliamentary democracy both messy and resilient.
A fitting conclusion to Mukherjee’s trilogy—measured, thoughtful, and quietly powerful.
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February 6, 2020The book by Pranab Mukherjee is an ode to his political career. Through the course of the book,
Pranab Mukherjee comes out as an honest man assuming role the party expects from him. A true Congressmen, Pranab Da carries out the chores with arduous sincerity in the face of Coalition politics. The book can be seen in the light of the following points:
• The book starts with the fag end of Atal Ji's government and marks how Pranab Da reinvigorated the Congress party amid the possibility of an NDA-2. Having worked right from grass root levels to Party ranks, Pranab Da garnered respect of the partymen and knew how to connect with people at a personal level. His proximity to 10 Janpath gave gravity to his stature within party lines.An incident during the pre poll campaign in 2004 is of special mention where he visits a village in Left dominated West Bengal and interacts with a boy. Pranab Da assures him of a bund's construction as the first thing once congress comes into power
• His stint as a Defence minister saw an appreciation in defence allocation.During his tenure, he signed pacts with US as well as Russia on major defence cooperation. For most part, he focussed on modernisation of the warfare and transfer of defence technologies with a 'Make in India' thrust in mind .
• The controversial Nuclear deal materialised while he was the Minister of External Affairs . To bring US on the same page, he connected with condoleezza rice at a personal level and made sure that the sanctions put on India by the NSG were softened. This marked the beginning of a landmark era in India-US relationships
• Of all the hats he had donned, the one he had most experience was the Finance Ministry. Introduction of the retrospective tax act, his expansionary policies during 2010,2011 regime and his aggressive stance on implementation of GST, UID made him the man with an independent stance in an otherwise subservient congress
• One aspect according to me that made him class apart was his ability to maintain cordial relationship with all and sundry of the political class. I would like to mention two instances that describe his ability to connect with fellow politicians
○ During the run for president, Bal Thackeray rebuffed his party's stance and supported Pranab Da. As a gesture of gratitude, he went to meet Thackeray at his residence where the later quipped-" It is but obvious that a Maratha lion supports Bengal Tiger"
○ The much debated GST bill was eventually passed by both the houses in 2017 . Since Pranab Da shared cordial relationship with the PM, Narendra Modi gave a congratulatory call to apprise him of the development since he was a staunch supporter of the bill during his tenure as the Finance Minister.
In the end I would like to say that Pranab Mukherjee, in true regards, is the son of the soil. He is definitely the PM India never had
Pranab Mukherjee comes out as an honest man assuming role the party expects from him. A true Congressmen, Pranab Da carries out the chores with arduous sincerity in the face of Coalition politics. The book can be seen in the light of the following points:
• The book starts with the fag end of Atal Ji's government and marks how Pranab Da reinvigorated the Congress party amid the possibility of an NDA-2. Having worked right from grass root levels to Party ranks, Pranab Da garnered respect of the partymen and knew how to connect with people at a personal level. His proximity to 10 Janpath gave gravity to his stature within party lines.An incident during the pre poll campaign in 2004 is of special mention where he visits a village in Left dominated West Bengal and interacts with a boy. Pranab Da assures him of a bund's construction as the first thing once congress comes into power
• His stint as a Defence minister saw an appreciation in defence allocation.During his tenure, he signed pacts with US as well as Russia on major defence cooperation. For most part, he focussed on modernisation of the warfare and transfer of defence technologies with a 'Make in India' thrust in mind .
• The controversial Nuclear deal materialised while he was the Minister of External Affairs . To bring US on the same page, he connected with condoleezza rice at a personal level and made sure that the sanctions put on India by the NSG were softened. This marked the beginning of a landmark era in India-US relationships
• Of all the hats he had donned, the one he had most experience was the Finance Ministry. Introduction of the retrospective tax act, his expansionary policies during 2010,2011 regime and his aggressive stance on implementation of GST, UID made him the man with an independent stance in an otherwise subservient congress
• One aspect according to me that made him class apart was his ability to maintain cordial relationship with all and sundry of the political class. I would like to mention two instances that describe his ability to connect with fellow politicians
○ During the run for president, Bal Thackeray rebuffed his party's stance and supported Pranab Da. As a gesture of gratitude, he went to meet Thackeray at his residence where the later quipped-" It is but obvious that a Maratha lion supports Bengal Tiger"
○ The much debated GST bill was eventually passed by both the houses in 2017 . Since Pranab Da shared cordial relationship with the PM, Narendra Modi gave a congratulatory call to apprise him of the development since he was a staunch supporter of the bill during his tenure as the Finance Minister.
In the end I would like to say that Pranab Mukherjee, in true regards, is the son of the soil. He is definitely the PM India never had
November 15, 2020
This has been one of the heaviest books that I've ever read. I have very little idea about politics, parliamentary procedures and civics. This book was a challenge goal that I had kept for myself. I started reading this in 2019 Feb and I'm dropping it now in Nov 2020. I kept making attempts to read this every now and then and managed to reach till the 50% mark.
A couple of things that I realized while reading this book:
* The Indian Parliament isn't as bad as the media always makes it out to be. There are people like Pranab Mukherjee who are "real people". I used to have a very very bad notion about the ministers but this book made me realize that there are people inside who are sensible.
* There's a lot of things that actually happen in the parliament. They're not just sitting and talking nonsense. They're doing things with a purpose.
* Pranab explains about the alliance govt system and how our forefathers never thought that such a thing would come up. The alliance system of governing creates a very complex political environment in which the whole Parliament has to manage doing whatever they want to do.
* I liked his writing style. He's never emotionally upset or loses control. He's always in control of himself. On occasions when his emotions are haywire he explains that. Perhaps it's the result of multiple layers of editing or perhaps its his natural style. Whatever it is it's good.
* I learnt about how the US tried to make a treaty with India for its civil nuclear program and how the opinion for all this was divided within the UPA.
* About how the alliance govt experienced problems with the left parties (within UPA) that were constantly fighting for power / for their opinions. And a very very high overview of how they tried to resolve it.
There were more things but these are from the top of my mind. Overall, it's a great experience to read books written by the leaders of our country. It gives a lot of insight into areas that we would never come to know about otherwise.
A couple of things that I realized while reading this book:
* The Indian Parliament isn't as bad as the media always makes it out to be. There are people like Pranab Mukherjee who are "real people". I used to have a very very bad notion about the ministers but this book made me realize that there are people inside who are sensible.
* There's a lot of things that actually happen in the parliament. They're not just sitting and talking nonsense. They're doing things with a purpose.
* Pranab explains about the alliance govt system and how our forefathers never thought that such a thing would come up. The alliance system of governing creates a very complex political environment in which the whole Parliament has to manage doing whatever they want to do.
* I liked his writing style. He's never emotionally upset or loses control. He's always in control of himself. On occasions when his emotions are haywire he explains that. Perhaps it's the result of multiple layers of editing or perhaps its his natural style. Whatever it is it's good.
* I learnt about how the US tried to make a treaty with India for its civil nuclear program and how the opinion for all this was divided within the UPA.
* About how the alliance govt experienced problems with the left parties (within UPA) that were constantly fighting for power / for their opinions. And a very very high overview of how they tried to resolve it.
There were more things but these are from the top of my mind. Overall, it's a great experience to read books written by the leaders of our country. It gives a lot of insight into areas that we would never come to know about otherwise.
August 16, 2019
Pranab Mukherjee as we all know, is a no-nonsense man. And aptly, as his political mentor has been the 'Iron Lady' in Indira Gandhi, who herself lead the nation with grit and fervour.
Pranab Da's trilogy in 'The Coalition Years' is all about Coalition (naturally), during Congress-lead UPA's tenure from 1996-2012. A vastly experienced parliamentarian, Pranab Da is a highly respected personality, even though he came across as short-tempered, to the point of being cynical.
A true Gandhian and a patriot, he has always upheld the Constitution, while carrying out his duties as a Congressman, member of Rajya & Lok Sabha, and during his tenure of holding the position of Defence, External Affairs, Finance to the 13th President of India.
This book is extremely enriching for the Historians, political researchers and aspirants, to keep a track record of Pranab Da's way of functioning and carrying about his national duties. Pranab Da has highlighted various Projects undertaken during his party's regime, from Indo-US Nuclear Deal to GST (which was then opposed by the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh).
The book is a little hardcore and you won't find anything beyond Politics and Facts. Pranab Mukherjee (in all humility and modesty) has called Dr. Manmohan Singh, a 'no accidental Prime Minister' and he refers to him as the 'father of reforms'. 📚
Pranab Da's trilogy in 'The Coalition Years' is all about Coalition (naturally), during Congress-lead UPA's tenure from 1996-2012. A vastly experienced parliamentarian, Pranab Da is a highly respected personality, even though he came across as short-tempered, to the point of being cynical.
A true Gandhian and a patriot, he has always upheld the Constitution, while carrying out his duties as a Congressman, member of Rajya & Lok Sabha, and during his tenure of holding the position of Defence, External Affairs, Finance to the 13th President of India.
This book is extremely enriching for the Historians, political researchers and aspirants, to keep a track record of Pranab Da's way of functioning and carrying about his national duties. Pranab Da has highlighted various Projects undertaken during his party's regime, from Indo-US Nuclear Deal to GST (which was then opposed by the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh).
The book is a little hardcore and you won't find anything beyond Politics and Facts. Pranab Mukherjee (in all humility and modesty) has called Dr. Manmohan Singh, a 'no accidental Prime Minister' and he refers to him as the 'father of reforms'. 📚
September 21, 2020
I read this just around the time when Pranab Mukherjee passed away. The book is just a record of publicly known facts UPA-1 and UPA-2 government. Memorable quote from the book "essence of democracy is three Ds: debate & discussion, dissent and, finally, the decision". Pranab Mukherjee was a contender for the prime minister for the UPA-1 government. It appears that he lacked Mamata Bannerjee's support and the Communist Party's support. An interesting fact read between lines, for the president's post, once he got OK from Congress, he canvassed on his own to make it happen. Sharad Pawar was an ally and conduit who got him to traverse the last mile to President's office.
February 9, 2019
More of a collection of facts already available in public domain through various news articles and interviews. I was expecting more of the insider information but was disappointed. Though book mentioned little skirmishes inside the party circles but they were too not good enough the understand internal dynamics.
Book expands on various issues and initiatives taken by UPA I and UPA II government and sometimes more of a self praise. However, the book genuinely mentions the difference in point of view between PM and Pranab.
Can be used as good refresher but not to read something new.
Book expands on various issues and initiatives taken by UPA I and UPA II government and sometimes more of a self praise. However, the book genuinely mentions the difference in point of view between PM and Pranab.
Can be used as good refresher but not to read something new.
July 7, 2018
Unlike the previous two memoirs which contained more about politics, this one gives Politician Mukherjee’s experiences at various ministries and in CWC from 1996 till 2012.
Through out the book I was waiting for any references to most important controversies of UPA Regime (2G, CWG etc.,), especially 2G as there was some contention between P.Chibambaram and Pranab Mukherjee about the issue, although Anna Hazare’s movement and legislation of Lokpal Bill made the entry into the book.
Through out the book I was waiting for any references to most important controversies of UPA Regime (2G, CWG etc.,), especially 2G as there was some contention between P.Chibambaram and Pranab Mukherjee about the issue, although Anna Hazare’s movement and legislation of Lokpal Bill made the entry into the book.
September 16, 2020
A book well written by an ex President, with the constraints of being non controversial.
To a normal reader,it may appear monotonous, a lot of major happenings like corruption scandals, missing. However, once you realise, that he also has to maintain the dignity of his position, it's quite nicely articulated.
We can see glimpses of his statecraft and also leadership in managing the coalition government.
A well written book overall
To a normal reader,it may appear monotonous, a lot of major happenings like corruption scandals, missing. However, once you realise, that he also has to maintain the dignity of his position, it's quite nicely articulated.
We can see glimpses of his statecraft and also leadership in managing the coalition government.
A well written book overall
May 15, 2018
An usual memoir of a politician. Veiled under his ever-loyal political identity, Pranab Mukherjee has shown his mettle by touching up on some of the most controversial and tumultuous times of Congress and in doing so very cunningly has established his worth as an indispensable politician. A good read for an enthusiast of Indian politics.
June 5, 2019
Despite the reviews and comments, I still tried this book...But even with low expectations, I couldn't find anything worthwhile here...it's at best a chronology of events, without any personal perspective by the author, nor any insights or the honesty to admit mistakes or talk about what went wrong both...Lacks both Guts and Substance
July 20, 2019
A very interesting view point from Pranab da.
Mature politician and a good minister.
The book seems to be more like a record of events. A diary, but contains very interesting items of how things happened n moved in the coalition govt. And I agree wid 1 part. UPA 1 & 2 were govts of GoMs and EGoMs...
Mature politician and a good minister.
The book seems to be more like a record of events. A diary, but contains very interesting items of how things happened n moved in the coalition govt. And I agree wid 1 part. UPA 1 & 2 were govts of GoMs and EGoMs...
October 13, 2019
While it is interesting to read about the backend activities behind decisions being taken at the highest levels of the govt, especialy those which affect our lives as ordinary citizens, the book fails to engage and involve the reader. It seems like a collection official documents pepperrred with personal recollections.
November 18, 2018
Dull. Boring. Filled with facts which are already in the public domain. No insider story on political wheeling dealing. As expected no word on Radia gate or any of the scams of UPA 2 era. And, he really wanted the PM job.
December 7, 2019
Good
Very good interested views opinions to read and understand. Very good interested views opinions to read and understand. Very good interested views opinions to read and understand.
Very good interested views opinions to read and understand. Very good interested views opinions to read and understand. Very good interested views opinions to read and understand.
December 18, 2020
Terrible.
Supremely disappointed. It's nothing but chronological news items. Waste of money. However good thing to come out of is, I am not going to purchase his upcoming book. Which means, my money is saved. Avoid.
Supremely disappointed. It's nothing but chronological news items. Waste of money. However good thing to come out of is, I am not going to purchase his upcoming book. Which means, my money is saved. Avoid.
February 14, 2021
I really respect Pranb Da as a politician. The books gives insights into the government. Still he fails to somewhat narrate the truth and white washed the Gandhi's. The writing and structure of the book could have been better. A book I would say you politics enthusiasts could miss out.
June 13, 2021
Nothing new in the book
This entire book talks about the information available on public platform. Pranab da was in congress for long time. He should have given some information and insights in this book. If you daily read news paper than this book is not for you.
This entire book talks about the information available on public platform. Pranab da was in congress for long time. He should have given some information and insights in this book. If you daily read news paper than this book is not for you.
May 29, 2018
Super read
What a remarkable journey of one of India's most experienced political brains. A must read for anyone who has any interest in Indian politics
What a remarkable journey of one of India's most experienced political brains. A must read for anyone who has any interest in Indian politics
August 13, 2019
Good book!!!
A good book...but written very diplomatically to just give a flavour of those times to Express the displeasure but not explicitly doing so...
A good book...but written very diplomatically to just give a flavour of those times to Express the displeasure but not explicitly doing so...
May 7, 2020
Hardly anything to write about ! The book is just a reproduction of the Author's speeches and interviews. Does not provide any insight or the alternate view. Lot of issues during the period are missing or conveniently glossed over. Hugely disappointed.
May 28, 2020
Excellently crafted. This is the first book of Pranab da which I read. A no non sense man sharing account/ details of different central governments based on his first hand experience. An interesting read for ones who are interested in political history.
November 10, 2018
Good read
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