Sharmistha Mukherjee has backed her dead father, former President Pranab Mukherjee, who is alleged to have been seeking the PM post and wanted to know why it was not surprising.
Her comments were made in the wake of a meeting with Pranab Mukherjee in her memoirs, Belonging, in 2010. In her book, Sonia Gandhi said the veteran Congress leader had hinted that it was indeed time for a “change at the top”, which she interpreted to mean that he wanted to be the Prime Minister for quite some time.
The problem with the account is that there was nothing to be “shocked” at, said Sharmistha Mukherjee in response.
What about ambition that had been nurtured by decades of political and governance experience, hard work and a brilliant mind is it not a crime to be ambitious? she asked.
Sharmistha also recounted one incident where she had directly asked her father whether he wanted to become a Prime Minister or not. Her sources at the Senate’s five member expert committee said Pranab Mukherjee squarely answered her question as any “commodious” MP would expect to have “such a goal”.
She further highlighted her father’s journey from humble beginnings, saying that he achieved his position and stature through merit and hard work.
As one of the Congress party’s most seasoned leaders, Pranab Mukherjee had served various important ministerial positions prior to becoming the President of India.
The exchange has brought significant focus to the late leader’s political career and key place in Indian politics for quite a while.