PrintFriendlyWe must remember this fact that around 12 years after his departure, Chandrasekhar Ji remains alive in the same form among us even today. I want to congratulate Harivansh ji for not only accomplishing this task but also to have the courage to do the same.
I used the word ‘courage’ because in the past few years, such an environment has been created in our country where political gameplay has turned more intense. Harivanshji, who has come from the world of journalism has been a neutral personality and is the Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha.
However, after the release of the book, I am afraid a particular label may be attributed to him.
On one hand was the Jan Sangh, Bharatiya Janta Party and its ideology while on the other hand was Chandrashekhar ji and his ideology.
There was a fellow-feeling and openness. Chandrashekhar ji was always concerned about Bhairon Singh ji’s health. This is a great thing in itself. Chandrashekhar ji, both at personal and public level, used to address Atal ji as ‘Guru ji”.
And before saying anything, even in the House, he used to say – “Guru ji, kindly forgive me; I am going to criticize you”. If you see the old records, you will find that such were his values and these reflected his dignity.
After all, at a time when Congress party’s stars were shining, what was that element or that source of inspiration that motivated this person to choose the path of rebellion? Probably the values of Bagi Ballia, the soil of Bagi Ballia had inspired him.
I consider two major historic events to be the most significant ones – Jaiprakash Narayan ji- Bihar and Mahatma Gandhi- Gujarat. After independence when it came to choose the Prime Minister for the country, a Gujarati chose a non-Gujarati. Similarly, after winning the fight for democracy, when it came to choosing the Prime Minister, he chose a Gujarati instead of a Bihari.