‘How Prime Ministers Decide’ Book Review and Arvind Kejriwal’s Jail Stint
In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal found himself behind bars, facing a court’s judgment. Amidst the turmoil, Kejriwal made an intriguing request: to be provided with three books during his incarceration – the sacred Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the political tome “How Prime Ministers Decide” by seasoned journalist Neerja Chowdhury.
This thought-provoking book, spanning over four decades of India’s political landscape, offers an in-depth exploration of the tenures of six former prime ministers, starting with the indomitable Indira Gandhi. Through a tapestry of anecdotes, insider interviews, and meticulously researched details, Chowdhury unveils the behind-the-scenes machinations that influenced the decisions of these towering figures.
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Indira Gandhi’s Resilience and Political Acumen
The book delves into the remarkable resilience of Indira Gandhi, whose stunning comeback after the Emergency remains a testament to her political prowess. Chowdhury narrates how, after her crushing defeat and the loss of her own constituency, Gandhi contemplated retirement to the mountains. However, when the Janata Party government targeted her son Sanjay, she mounted a formidable counteroffensive, meeting with fierce opponents like Jai Prakash Narayan and Raj Narain, ultimately softening their criticism. The author highlights the adage “there are no permanent enemies in politics,” drawing parallels to the Congress’ alliance with the Shiv Sena in 2019, a party once supported by Bal Thackeray, a staunch critic of Indira Gandhi.
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Rajiv Gandhi’s Controversial Decisions and Their Impact
Chowdhury’s account takes readers through the tumultuous era of Rajiv Gandhi, where his “waffling” over the Shah Bano case and the opening of the Babri Masjid locks aimed to appease both religious communities but ultimately backfired. The book brings to life the intricate machinations of V.P. Singh’s Mandal gambit, which forever altered the nation’s political landscape, alongside the rising Mandir politics of the time.
P.V. Narasimha Rao’s Tenure and the Babri Masjid Demolition
The minute details of P.V. Narasimha Rao’s tenure, especially during the demolition of the Babri Masjid, make for a gripping read. Chowdhury sheds light on the cordial relationship between Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, revealing how Rao briefed Vajpayee on his nuclear program and encouraged him to conduct the tests, cementing Vajpayee’s place in history.
Manmohan Singh’s Economic Reforms and Foreign Policy
The book thoughtfully examines the contributions of leaders like Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, shedding light on the complexities of managing a rapidly changing economy. Singh’s tenure as prime minister and his efforts to shape India’s foreign policy are also explored in depth.
Narendra Modi’s Unique Decision-Making Style
Chowdhury, who has spent four decades covering prime ministers and politics, finds incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s decision-making style entirely different from his predecessors. As Modi’s tenure is still in progress, the author acknowledges that those close to him may be hesitant to speak up, and the full details of key decisions may take more time to surface. With nearly 500 books already written on Modi, Chowdhury suggests that many more will be needed to lift the veil on some of the critical decisions made during his tenure.
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The Evolution of India’s Democracy and the Changing Role of the PMO
A recurring theme in the book is the evolution of India’s democracy and the changing role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Chowdhury draws attention to the increased concentration of power in the PMO, irrespective of the party in power, prompting readers to reflect on the delicate balance between strong leadership and safeguarding democratic institutions.
Caste, Religion, and Class in India’s Political Landscape
The book provides a nuanced exploration of India’s political landscape through the lens of caste, religion, and class. It highlights how leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi strategically appealed to diverse segments of the population, reshaping the political landscape in the process. Chowdhury’s examination of caste-based politics, Other Backward Classes (OBC) empowerment, and the changing dynamics of Indian society adds depth to the analysis.
Challenges Facing Indian Democracy
In the concluding chapters, the book transitions from a historical account to a critical reflection on the state of Indian democracy. Chowdhury raises thought-provoking questions about the role of leaders, the importance of consensus in coalition politics, and the health of democratic institutions. She highlights the paradox that while coalition politics can lead to greater accountability, it can also result in corruption and instability.
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Engaging Narrative and Accessibility
Chowdhury’s journalistic background is evident in the book’s engaging narrative style and its ability to present complex political scenarios in a relatable manner. “How Prime Ministers Decide” is an essential read for anyone interested in Indian politics, history, and leadership, prompting readers to contemplate the future of Indian democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the significance of Arvind Kejriwal requesting “How Prime Ministers Decide” during his jail term?
A. Kejriwal’s request for Neerja Chowdhury’s book highlights the significance of understanding the decision-making processes of prime ministers and their impact on the nation’s trajectory, even for a prominent political figure like himself.
Q. How does the book portray Indira Gandhi’s political comeback?
A. The book depicts Indira Gandhi’s remarkable resilience and political acumen, detailing her counteroffensive strategies after her initial defeat, including her outreach to fierce opponents, which ultimately led to her comeback.
Q. What insights does the book offer about Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure?
A. Chowdhury explores Rajiv Gandhi’s controversial decisions, such as his stance on the Shah Bano case and the opening of the Babri Masjid locks, shedding light on their unintended consequences.
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Q. How does the book cover the tenure of P.V. Narasimha Rao?
A. The book provides minute details of Rao’s tenure, especially during the demolition of the Babri Masjid, and reveals his cordial relationship with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, including Rao’s encouragement for Vajpayee to conduct nuclear tests.
Q. What does the book highlight about Narendra Modi’s decision-making style?
A. The author finds Modi’s decision-making style entirely different from his predecessors and suggests that more time and books will be needed to fully understand the key decisions made during his tenure.
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Q. How does the book address the challenges facing Indian democracy?
A. Chowdhury raises critical questions about the role of leaders, the importance of consensus in coalition politics, and the health of democratic institutions, highlighting the paradox of accountability and potential corruption in coalition politics.
Q. What makes “How Prime Ministers Decide” a must-read for Indian political enthusiasts?
A. The book’s engaging narrative, comprehensive coverage of prime ministers’ tenures, and thought-provoking analysis of India’s political landscape make it an essential read for anyone interested in Indian politics, history, and leadership.
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Conclusion
Neerja Chowdhury’s “How Prime Ministers Decide” is a tour de force that unveils the inner workings of India’s prime ministerial tenures, offering a captivating exploration of the decisions that shaped the nation’s destiny. From Indira Gandhi’s resilience to Manmohan Singh’s economic reforms, the book delves into the motivations, strategies, and personal struggles that influenced each leader’s actions. With a balanced perspective and a keen eye for detail, Chowdhury paints a nuanced portrait of India’s political evolution, prompting readers to reflect on the future of its democracy.
As Arvind Kejriwal’s request for this book during his incarceration demonstrates, understanding the decision-making processes of prime ministers is crucial for political leaders and citizens alike. “How Prime Ministers Decide” is an essential read that transcends partisan boundaries, offering invaluable insights into the complexities of governance and the enduring legacies of India’s prime ministers.
Disclaimer
This book review and analysis have been created for informational purposes only by Wini Media. It does not constitute any endorsement or promotion of the book, its author, or its subject matter.
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