The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 6
Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of the late former President Pranab Mukherjee, on Wednesday revealed that her father had aspirations to become the Prime Minister. However, she added that Pranab Mukherjee was aware that Sonia Gandhi would not appoint him to the position. This insight sheds light on Mukherjee’s aspirations within the political realm during that period.
In her upcoming book titled “In Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers,” Sharmistha Mukherjee recounts an intriguing moment involving her father, Pranab Mukherjee, following Sonia Gandhi’s withdrawal from the prime ministerial race. This anticipated memoir promises insights into Mukherjee’s reactions and responses to significant political events, offering a unique perspective on his thoughts and actions during that pivotal period.
In response to media inquiries about her father’s aspirations for the Prime Ministerial position, Sharmistha Mukherjee, revealed, “Yes, he did have aspirations to become the PM, but he was cognizant of the reality that it might not materialize. He harbored no illusions about becoming the Prime Minister.”
Recalling a conversation with her father, Sharmistha recounted, “I once asked him directly if he desired to hold the PM’s office. His response was affirmative, stating that any serious politician would naturally aspire to that position. However, he was clear that mere desire doesn’t guarantee ascension to that role.”
Delving further into his thoughts, she mentioned, “He speculated that Sonia Gandhi might have perceived a potential challenge to her authority from him. Yet, he emphasized that it wasn’t about whether he would challenge her, but rather a perception held by Sonia Gandhi and her safeguarding of her family’s interests. Consequently, she ensured that someone assuming the PM’s role would not pose a challenge to her authority.”