Remembering Pranab Mukherjee on his death anniversary

Dr Wahengbam Rorrkychand Singh *

On August 31, we remember the death anniversary of Pranab Mukherjee, one of India’s most revered statesmen. Born on December 11, 1935, in a small village in West Bengal, Mukherjee rose through the ranks of Indian politics, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.

Known for his astute political acumen, Mukherjee held various significant portfolios over the decades, including Finance, Defence, and External Affairs, before serving as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017.

Mukherjee’s political journey is not just a tale of power and prominence but also one of crossing ideological boundaries, a feat rarely achieved by politicians in the polarizing environment of Indian politics.

His actions, particularly in the latter part of his career, have continued to resonate with many, especially his attendance at an RSS event and his visit to the birthplace of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

A Statesman Who Bridged Ideological Divides

Mukherjee’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur in 2018 was an event that raised many eyebrows. As a lifelong Congress member, many saw this as a departure from the party’s stance, which has traditionally been opposed to the RSS’s Hindutva ideology.

However, Mukherjee’s decision to attend the RSS event was in line with his belief in dialogue and engagement over ideological rigidity. He believed that in a diverse democracy like India, understanding differing perspectives was crucial for National unity.

Mukherjee did not shy away from emphasizing his commitment to India’s pluralistic values during his speech at the RSS event. He spoke of the need to preserve the country’s rich diversity and unity, warning against the dangers of communalism and intolerance.

His presence at the event was not an endorsement of the RSS and its activities but a testament to his belief in engaging with all sections of society, regardless of their political or ideological affiliations. This act was a bold statement, demonstrating that true statesmanship transcends party lines and ideological differences.

Exposing the Fault Lines in the Congress Party

Pranab Mukherjee was also known for his candid observations about the Congress Party and its leadership. Having served the party loyally for decades, Mukherjee was privy to its internal workings and challenges.

In his autobiography, Mukherjee did not hesitate to critique the Congress’s leadership, particu- larly its reliance on the Nehru-Gandhi family. He highlighted the pitfalls of a party excessively dependent on a single family, arguing that it hindered the party's democratic functioning and growth.

Mukherjee expressed concern over how this dependency weakened the organizational structure and led to the erosion of institutional integrity. He was critical of the party's inability to adapt to changing political dynamics and its failure to move beyond a personality-driven approach.

Mukherjee warned that such an approach could cost the Congress dearly in the long run. His critiques were not borne out of bitterness but from a deep- seated concern for the party he had served for so long, reflecting his desire to see it evolve into a stronger, more resilient political force.

Praising Modi: A Testament to Fairness and Objectivity

Mukherjee’s ability to acknowledge and appreciate political opponents further underscored his statesmanship. During his tenure as President, Mukherjee worked with both Dr Man-mohan Singh and Narendra Modi, two Prime Ministers with starkly different styles of governance. In his writings and speeches, Mukherjee did not shy away from drawing comparisons between the two, often lauding Modi for his decisive- ness and strong leadership.

Mukherjee’s praise for Modi was particularly noteworthy because it came at a time when the Congress was vehemently opposed to Modi and his policies. Yet, Mukherjee, true to his principles, recognized the merits of Modi’s leadership, especially in terms of policy implementation and governance. He admired Modi's ability to take bold decisions and drive them to completion, a quality he found lacking in the UPA Government under Dr Manmohan Singh.

This appreciation was not a political endorsement but an acknowledgment of the changing dynamics in Indian politics. Mukherjee believed in giving credit where it was due, irrespective of party lines, a trait that made him stand out in a political culture often marred by partisan rhetoric.

Legacy of a True Statesman

Pranab Mukherjee’s legacy is that of a leader who stood above party politics and ideological divides. His life and career exemplify the values of dialogue, engagement, and fairness—qualities that are increasingly rare in today’s political landscape. Mu-kherjee’s willingness to engage with the RSS, his candid critique of the Congress Party, and his ob- jective assessment of Modi’s leadership reflect his commitment to the nation above all else.

As we remember Pranab Mukherjee on his death anniversary, it is imperative to reflect on the lessons his life offers. In a time when Indian politics is deeply polarized, Mukherjee’s le-gacy serves as a reminder that true leadership lies in the ability to rise above narrow interests and work towards the greater good of the nation. His life was a testament to the power of statesmanship in bridging divides and fostering unity, a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.