Pillar of strength

Tom Wolfe once criticised American writers for ignoring the fantastic realities of American life as a source for their novels.

Tom Wolfe once criticised American writers for ignoring the fantastic realities of American life as a source for their novels. What would the archpriest of literary realism have said about the life of Pramod Mahajan — RSS functionary, political impresario, Union minister and primus inter pares among the second generation BJP leaders — and his senseless death at the hands of his own brother? Like his last days in hospital battling death, BJP leader Pramod Mahajan’s personal and political life was full of ups and downs.

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There were high points — his appointment as Defence Minister in Vajpayee’s 13-day government in 1996 and the December 2003 victory of the BJP in the Rajasthan state assembly elections that he had handled. But there were lows as well — his electoral defeat in 1998, being axed from the cabinet in 2003 and the party’s defeat in the 2004 general elections. Since he was by common acknowledgement the BJP’s principal election manager, critics within the party said his arrogance and the disastrous ‘Shining India’ slogan were responsible, while RSS leaders muttered about the alleged “five-star culture” he had brought into the party. But till fate laid him low, the party could not quite do without the dapper Maharashtra leader. He may not have had the affection of his colleagues, but most certainly commanded their respect for his organisational abilities, which made him a pillar of strength in the faction-ridden party.

Mahajan sought to bring the BJP out of its shell, unabashedly organising its meetings and conventions in swank hotels in balmy Goa or cosmopolitan Mumbai. His ability to network with leaders of other parties and work outside the RSS straitjacket helped the Vajpayee government last a full term. His problem-solving approach was best characterised by his handling of the Information Technology portfolio when, despite controversy and criticism, he pushed through reforms that led to the explosive growth of mobile telephony in the country.

Whether the BJP realises it or not, Mahajan’s passing could be a mortal blow for the party already beset by a sea of troubles. Given his contribution to modernising the party’s politics and his organisational skills, the party will have to invent a Pramod Mahajan, since it no longer has one.