Vajpayee: The ascent of the Hindu Right 1924- 1977
Winner of the Tata Literature Live! First Book Award
Published by Picador India – Pan Macmillan India
Abhishek Choudhary studied Economics in Delhi and Chennai. He has worked as a journalist and in development. He was awarded the NIF Fellowship in 2017 to research former PM Vajpayee’s life. It has led to parts 1 and 2 of his 2-volume biography of the former PM.
“Ramachandra Guha calls it the finest biography of an Indian prime minister that I have read.“
Shashi Tharoor calls it “A meticulous and thoroughly readable job.”
I usually steer clear of political books. But as a resident Indian I cannot turn a blind eye to politics and live in la la land filled with poetry and magic.
That’s why I chose to read this political biography.
Shri Atal Behari Vajypayee co-founded the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) in 1980 after the split of the Janata coalition. For the BJP, Vajpayee was the first idol loved and respected by the masses. He remains an enigmatic personality. The popular narrative goes that Shri. L.K Advani catapulted the party into power in 1989-92 through the Ayodhya Movement.
As with most political figures, there are myths and legends surrounding Vajpayee. Abhishek Choudhary separates fact from fiction and distils for us a true political biography.
The contents in this volume end with early 1977 with Vajpayee as the foreign minister. The author reveals how the politician’s early life lies at the heart of his political persona. The book is a portrait of Hindutva and its first Prime Minister.
Pic of book
Thanks Pan MacMillan India for the review copy.
