Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the most fearless faces of Indian politics. His opinions, his ideologies and his decisions were bold. His judgement about others remained almost uninfluenced by the opposing views of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)- an organisation which nurtured him, or Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- the party which paved his way into Indian politics.
For instance, RSS has always detested former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. However, Vajpayee had only admiration and high regard for Nehru.
When Vajpayee first entered office in 1977, as the Minister of External Affairs, he noticed something unusual about the wall in his office- an empty spot where Jawaharlal Nehru’sphoto used to hang. His very first order as a minister was to reinstate Nehru’s picture.
Vajpayee had all the reasons in the world to dislike Nehru- RSS believed Nehru was a weak politician who ‘gave up’ half of Kashmir; Nehru’s daughter Indira Gandhi had put Vajpayee behind bars- but Vajpayee was still deeply fond of Nehru and considered him a political hero.
After Nehru’s death on May 27 1964, Vajpayee spoke in the Parliament a few days later, paying his respects. He said, “A dream has been shattered, a song silenced, a flame has vanished in the infinite. It was the dream of a world without fear and without hunger, it was the song of an epic that had the echo of the Gita and the fragrance of the rose. It was the flame of a lamp that burnt all night, fought with every darkness, showed us the way, and one morning attained Nirvana.”
Bharat Mata is stricken with grief today – she has lost her favourite prince. Humanity is sad today – it has lost its devotee. Peace is restless today – its protector is no more. The down – trodden have lost their refuge. The common man has lost the light in his eyes. The curtain has come down. The leading actor on the stage of the world displayed his final role and taken the bow.
The loss to Parliament is irreparable. Such a resident may never grace Teen Murti again. That vibrant personality, that attitude of taking even the opposition along, that refined gentlemanliness, that greatness we may not again see in the near future. In spite of a difference of opinion we have nothing but respect for his great ideals, his integrity, his love for the country and his indomitable courage.
With these words I pay my humble homage to that great soul.”
Vajpayee and Nehru clashed several times and debated over the policies and decisions made by the ruling Congress government. However, their respect for each other’s integrity never fell short. Even though Vajpayee and Nehru had their political differences, Nehru had a palpable influence on Vajpayee’s personal life.
The above quotes and insights can be accessed from historian Ramachandra Guha’s article I Want It Back, published in The Hindu