Thursday, February 6, 2014

Did Sonia also not want Pranab Mukherjee to become president?

Pranabda with Indira Gandhi (Courtesy: Hindustan Times)

Narendra Modi has smartly put his hand on paining spot of Congress. He said yesterday in Kolkata rally that it was Gandhi family which didn't make Pranab Mukherjee prime minister, not only once but twice. He elaborated when Indira Gandhi, then prime minister was murdered in 1984, Pranab Mukherjee was not only senior person but also experienced and very deserving person to become prime minister. But he was not made PM. Not only that, Rajiv Gandhi even didn't inducted him in his cabinet.
In 2004, Sonia Gandhi was set to become PM as leader of biggest party but there was much opposition so she gave up and later it was publicized as her sacrifice. At that time too, Pranab Mukherjee was senior most leader in Congress. But instead of him, Sonia chose Mr. 'Yes, Madam' Manmohan Singh. Narendra Modi's raising of issue has significance, because Modi has been often blamed for sidetracking his mentor 'Guru' L.K.Advani (which is not true as Advani got two time chance to lead BJP in general elections and failed.). Modi said this in West Bengal.
Modi forgot to add in his point one thing and that is Pranab Mukherjee was also not first choice of Sonia Gandhi for president candidate.
Actually, for presidency, Pranab Mukherjee was highly willing and his name was almost unanimous within all parties, but Sonia Gandhi wanted then vice president Hamid Ansari to become president. But, at that time, it is said that Pranab Mukherjee played smart games through Mamata Banerjee and Mulayam Singh. As it is known, Mamata and Mulayam together supported A.P.J.Abdul Kalam for president post. And BJP, JDU and other opposition parties were ready to support Kalam. So, Kalam could have won easily against Ansari.
Now, it was obvious that Sonia would not prefer Kalam to become president, because in 2004, it is rumoured that Kalam didn't prefer Sonia to become prime minister. However, it was denied lately, but one thing was sure. Kalam would not behave like stamp president. Instead of him, Sonia might have thought that, Pranabda could be better choice. In this circumstances, Congress decided to field Pranabda and all know well that, after Pranabda's name was announced Mulayam took U turn and backtracked on supporting Kalam. Mamata was left alone. But it seemed to be part of Pranabda's strategy. Thus, Pranab Mukherjee became President and for sake of competence, BJP fielded P.A.Sangma to be defeated. 

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