Navigator of Dignified Politics

Every time one called up Pranab Mukherjee’s office when he was External Affairs Minister in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance(UPA) government, a voice would say, ‘PM’s office’. During an interview chat, I asked him if it was an indication of the times to come?

Mukherjee looked amused and remarked, ‘Not at all! They could be saying EAM’s office. Or maybe, are using my initials. I am not aware!’ Quizzically, he looked at his secretary, who merely smiled.

 

Mukherjee did not become the Prime Minister. Instead, he was chosen as the President of India in 2012. He had said, “I personally believe that the office of the President of India is not to be sought. It is to be offered.”

Popularly referred to as Pranab Da, he knew when and how much to speak.

In a political career spanning five decades, the measure of his importance can be estimated from the fact that even while serving as external affairs minister, he also functioned as the finance minister. Considered a troubleshooter and the most indispensable person in the Congress party, the master strategist, who often kept even his own party guessing, never displayed any signs of nervousness – be it over a series of corruption scandals in the party or a slowdown in the Indian economy.

A smart operator with political acumen, the grand old man knew how to forge alliance partners whenever it came to forming a government at the Centre or the states.

“Running a coalition government in a country like India is a difficult task…. To have a coalition, to run a coalition government, you require a lot of adjustments, a lot of flexibility,” he admitted.

 

However, he considered that having alliance partners was a temporary phenomenon. “At the time of elections, in a multi-party system, every political party tries to expand its area of influence and strengthen its position. In that process, there is keen competition among the parties for space, so there are changes in alliances. After all, it is a matter of reaching the Parliament,” justified the leader who headed several top ministries, including the foreign, home, defence and trade.

The no-nonsense veteran leader had more friends than foes across all political parties. Mukherjee had a good camaraderie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They admired each other’s leadership qualities and shared a mutual respect. The acquaintance happened much before the two occupied the country’s top posts. Mukherjee valued and appreciated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader’s vision. In turn, PM Modi acknowledged Mukherjee’s affectionate and caring nature.

In July 2017, the PM wrote a letter to Mukherjee, who was to demit office a day later. The note read, “Three years ago, I came to New Delhi as an outsider. The task before me was huge and challenging. In these times, you have always been a father figure and a mentor to me. Your wisdom, guidance and personal warmth have given me greater confidence and strength.”

Mukherjee posted it on Twitter with a message that the letter had “touched my heart!” Despite being from different political ideologies, the bonhomie between the two leaders continued. In 2019, when Modi was sworn as PM for the second time, he called on Mukherjee and sought his blessings.

 

In 2018, Mukherjee sent ripples in the political circles by deciding to participate in a function to be held at the RashtriyaSwayamsevakSangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, Maharashtra. But it goes to the former President’s credit that despite many leaders from the Congress feeling uncomfortable and urging Mukherjee to reconsider his decision, the latter considered the invitation was above the party lines.

He attended the third year SanghaShikshaVarga (SSV)programme as chief guest. Addressing RSS recruits from across the nation, Mukherjee expressed his views that were almost identical as those of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Stating that attempts to define India’s nationhood on the basis of religion would “dilute our nationality”, Mukherjee won the hearts of both politicians and analysts by adding, “The soul of India resides in pluralism and tolerance. This plurality of our society has come through assimilation of ideas over centuries. Secularism and inclusion are a matter of faith for us.That is what makes Bharat a diverse and united nation.”

Mukherjee’s father KamadaKinkar Mukherjee was a freedom fighter, who spent 10 years in British prisons. Since politics was the primary subject discussed in the house, it was not long before Mukherjee became a full-time politician. Prior to that, he worked as a clerk in the Post and Telegraph Department in Calcutta. Later, he became a lecturer of Political Science at Vidyanagar College. He also had a stint in journalism and law.

 

His political career started in 1969 when offered a RajyaSabha seat by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the age of 33. Mukherjee first entered the Parliament on July 13, 1969, when the monsoon session began. He was unknown then. But four decades later, when the man with a phenomenal memory and spectacular career left the Parliament House, he was one of the most widely respected politicians the country had seen.

Speaking on the subject of politicians facing criticism, he said, “Political leaders are appreciated after their death. Now, we are neither fighting for freedom struggle, nor is there any kind of revolution. It is to run the government; and in a democratic system, running the government is always subject to criticism. But people are justified because, at times, some members behave irresponsibly and cause disruptions in the Parliament. So, without making distinctions, all politicians are labelled and criticized for wasting public money. Such criticism is good for politicians. They need self-analysis and must take corrective measures.”

Life came full circle for Mukherjee in 2019. From choosing Bharat Ratnas to awarding them as the country’s President, he received India’s highest civilian honour at the behest of PM Modi. Ironically, BJP’s distinguished leader and former Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee had received the Bharat Ratna from him in 2015.