"सोनिया गांधी मुझे पीएम नहीं बनाएंगी," 2004 के नाटक के बाद प्रणब मुखर्जी ने बेटी शर्मिष्ठा को कहा।

Behind the Scenes: Pranab Mukherjee's Revelation to Daughter Sharmistha - 'Sonia Gandhi Won't Make Me a PM' - A Glimpse into the Intricacies of Political Drama Post 2004.

In the annals of Indian politics, 2004 stands out as a watershed moment. The Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, returned to power after a long hiatus, marking the end of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) six-year rule. However, behind the scenes, a quiet drama played out, revealing the Congress leadership's unspoken ambitions and political calculations.

Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee

As the Congress emerged victorious, the question of who would become Prime Minister occupied the minds of many. Pranab Mukherjee, a seasoned politician and confidante of Sonia Gandhi, was widely seen as a frontrunner. His extensive experience, political acumen, and close relationship with Sonia made him a natural choice for many.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Sonia Gandhi surprised everyone by declining the Prime Minister's post. Instead, she nominated Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, as the Prime Minister. This decision sent shockwaves through the political landscape and sparked speculation and intrigue.

Recently, these hidden dynamics have come to light through Sharmistha Mukherjee's upcoming book, "In Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers." In the book, Sharmistha reveals her father's candid confession about his aspirations for the Prime Minister's post.

“No, she will not make me the PM,” Pranab Mukherjee reportedly told his daughter when she inquired about his chances of becoming the Prime Minister. This simple statement carries immense weight, revealing the unspoken understanding between Pranab and Sonia. While Pranab harboured a desire to lead the nation, he also recognized Sonia's hand in the decision-making process.

Sharmistha's revelation sheds light on several key aspects of this political drama:

• Sonia Gandhi's political acumen: Despite popular pressure and the support of many within the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi chose to prioritize the party's long-term goals over personal ambitions. Her decision to nominate Dr Manmohan Singh, a non-controversial figure with a reputation for clean governance, aimed to mitigate any potential internal conflicts or factionalism within the party.
• Pranab Mukherjee's political maturity: While harbouring a desire for the Prime Minister's post, Pranab Mukherjee respected Sonia Gandhi's decision. He understood the importance of party unity and stability and remained a loyal and supportive figure within the Congress.

The 2004 drama and its aftermath raise several pertinent questions:

• Was Sonia Gandhi's decision to decline the Prime Minister's post a strategic move to avoid accusations of dynastic politics?
• Was Dr. Manmohan Singh chosen due to his non-political background and perceived neutrality?
• Did Pranab Mukherjee accept Sonia's decision gracefully, or did it leave a sense of unfulfilled ambition?

Sharmistha Mukherjee's book promises to offer valuable insights into these questions and provide a deeper understanding of the power dynamics within the Congress party during a critical period in Indian history.

One thing is certain: the 2004 drama and its aftermath have left an enduring mark on Indian politics. They serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal ambitions, political calculations, and the ever-present spectre of dynastic politics in the Indian landscape. As India continues to evolve politically, the lessons learned from this episode will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.