PM Modi releases book “Chandra Shekhar – The Last Icon of Ideological Politics”

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : PM Narendra Modi on July 24, 2019, released the book “Chandra Shekhar – The Last Icon of Ideological Politics”  written by Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, and Ravi Dutt Bajpai. The book release event was held at the Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Library Building.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that in today’s political context, it is remarkable that even after about 12 years of his passing away, the thoughts of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar ji, continue to guide us and are as vibrant as ever. Congratulating Harivansh for writing the book, the Prime Minister shared some memories and anecdotes of his interactions with Chandra Shekhar.

The PM recalled that he had first met Chandra Shekhar ji in 1977. He said that he was travelling with former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat ji and had met Chandra Shekhar at Delhi Airport. He said that the two leaders shared a close bond despite their different political ideologies.

The Prime Minister also recalled that  Chandra Shekhar ji addressed Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji as “Guru ji.” He described Chandra Shekhar ji as a man of remarkable culture and principles, who did not hesitate to oppose the dominant political party of his time because he disagreed with certain aspects of it. The Prime Minister mentioned political leaders such as Mohan Dharia ji and George Fernandes ji, both of whom, he said, spoke highly about Chandra Shekhar ji.

PM Modi recalled his last meeting with Chandra Shekhar ji. He said an ailing former Prime Minister had telephoned him and invited him Modi to visit him whenever he was in Delhi. During that interaction, Chandra Shekhar ji had inquired about Gujarat’s development and shared his perspective on many national issues. The Prime Minister appreciated his clarity of thought, commitment to the people, and dedication to democratic principles.

The Prime Minister also recalled the historic Padyatra that Chandra Shekhar ji had undertaken, for the farmers, the poor, and the marginalized. He said that it is unfortunate that we failed to give him the respect he deserved at that time.

The Prime Minister said that there is a coterie of people who have sought to create adverse impressions of some great Indian leaders including Dr. Ambedkar and Sardar Patel. He asserted that a museum for all former Prime Ministers will be established in Delhi. He urged the family members of former Prime Ministers to share aspects of the life and work of these Prime Ministers. He said the country needs a new political culture beyond political untouchability, according to a PIB release.

Speaker, Lok Sabha,  Om Birla, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, were present on the occasion and also addressed the gathering.