âVajpayee: The Years That Changed Indiaâ: A Ringside View of the Political Saga in 1996-1999
Shakti Sinha narrates how Vajpayee dealt with the challenges that emerged both from within his own and opposition parties, especially while running a multi-party coalition government.
File picture of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Credit: PTI
Politics6 hours ago
Given the rich tradition of political leadership both at the national and state level, it is ironic that political leadership, as a subject, has remained understudied in the realm of Indiaâs politics and economy whereas the study of parties, party system and elections receive a lot of attention. This can largely be attributed to the dearth of source material that a researcher faces as leaders in India seldom write memoirs or give interviews explaining their decisions and, the few who even write, do so in a self-serving manner, leaving out important events and decisions.
Two ongoing significant political events stand out.
The campaign of the West Bengal assembly election is raising political heat in Delhi. If the BJP manages to win West Bengal and even if the Mamata Bannerjee-led TMC fails to stop BJP getting an impressive political space in Bengal, the Modi model of politics is expected take a giant leap forward.
If pre-election campaign in West Bengal is any indicator, we are in for some very intense and aggressive polls coming up.
Both, the BJP and the TMC are playing with the baser instincts of the voters.
BJP has the funds, resources and determination to defeat Mamata Bannerjee. It seems set to decimate the Left block and Congress. Bengali voters are likely to be more polarised before the voting day.