Bhishma Pitamah of Indian Politics, Atal Bihari Vajpayee may no longer be involved in active politics due to his health but the nation remembers his legacy of being a man of masses and an ardent champion of women empowerment and social equality on his 92nd Birthday on 25th December 2016. Vajpayeejee never repudiated his political past or moorings and instead tried to make his party as broad based and inclusive as possible in line with his country’s diversity. In politics, apart from his impressive, impassioned oratory and stellar parliamentary career, he was always known for never bearing a grudge, being respectful but never being overawed by even titanic figures, and considerate and conciliatory towards his opponents. Vajpayee, who began his political career when Jawaharlal Nehru still strode large, had plenty of respect for the prime minister but was never afraid to confront him in parliament. Vajpayee had dubbed Indira Gandhi “Durga” in 1971 and admired her courage but was strident in his opposition towards her drift towards authoritarianism which culminated in the Emergency. It is a telling point that she had consulted him before “Operation Bluestar” – though she didn’t end up following his advice not to go ahead. And he was both personally and politically brave – as this book (A Man for all seasons by Kingshuk Nag ) reveals, he was one of the few politicians to confront anti-Sikh rioters in November 1984. On November 1, Vajpayee, who came out after hearing a commotion outside his official residence, dissuaded a mob from attacking a Sikh-owned taxi stand, and stood there till they dispersed. Vajpayeejee believe that “You can change friends but not neighbours”As prime minister, he tried thrice to make peace with Pakistan, and succeeded, to some extent. He also took some visionary steps for resolving the vexed issue of Kashmir. Ataljee told us that “Freedom is incomplete without social justice”. Vajpyjee is strong supporter of Freedom of speech and believe that “If you do not like anything in a particular book, then sit and discuss it. Banning a book is not a solution. We have to tackle it ideologically”. Ataljee also told us that Freedom is incomplete without social justice.
Edited and compilied by —-Dr J.K. Garg
References— A Man for all seasons by Kingshuk Nag, Pages of My Diary,Various Newspapers etc.