Recalling the former Prime Minister, PM Modi releases the book "Chandra Shekhar - The Last Icon of Ideological Politics"

New Delhi, July 25: On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the book on former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar titled 'Chandra Shekhar- The Last Icon of Ideological Politics’, written by Deputy Chairman in the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh and Ravi Dutt Bajpai.

 

While speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that in today's political context, it is remarkable that even after about 12 years of his passing away, the thoughts of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar Ji, continue to guide us, and are as vibrant as ever.

He recalled that he had first met Shri Chandra Shekhar ji in 1977. He said that he was travelling with former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat ji, and had met Shri Chandra Shekhar at Delhi Airport. He said that the two leaders shared a close bond, despite their different political ideologies.

The Prime Minister also recalled that Shri Chandra Shekhar Ji addressed Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji as "Guruji." He described Chandra Shekhar Ji as a man of remarkable culture and principles, who did not hesitate to oppose the dominant political party of his time because he disagreed with certain aspects of it.

The Prime Minister mentioned political leaders such as Mohan Dharia Ji and George Fernandes Ji, both of whom, he said, spoke highly about Chandra Shekhar Ji.

 

PM Narendra Modi recalled his last meeting with Shri Chandra Shekhar Ji. He said the ailing former Prime Minister had telephoned him and invited Shri Modi to visit him whenever he was in Delhi. During that interaction, Chandra Shekhar Ji had inquired about Gujarat's development, and shared his perspective on many national issues.

The Prime Minister appreciated his clarity of thought, commitment to the people, and dedication to democratic principles.

The Prime Minister also recalled the historic Padyatra that Shri Chandra Shekhar Ji had undertaken, for the farmers, the poor, and the marginalized. The Prime Minister said that it is unfortunate that we failed give him the respect he deserved, at that time.

 

He has invited the families of all former Prime Ministers to share the important aspects of their lives to be put on display at the museum on Prime Ministers of India. The museum is being built at the Teen Murti Bhavan complex in the national capital.