I told Rahul, 'you are on the wrong path'

GHULAM NABI AZAD’S much-awaited autobiography, Azaad, is out. The leader, who severed his association with Congress some months back after having spent more than 50 years in the party, gives a detailed account of his time as a partyman and a government functionary.

- SONI MISHRA

In an interview with THE WEEK, Azad touches upon his differences with the present generation of Gandhis and Rahul’s disqualification. Excerpts:

Q/ Your recollection of Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi in Azaad is emotional.

A/ I have been truthful and objective. Wherever I have felt Indira ji has done best, I have praised her. Wherever Rajiv Gandhi has done good, I have said so. But wherever Indira ji and Rajiv ji have gone wrong, I have written that also. Sanjay Gandhi, of course, there is not much. But he had a great role in my political career.

Similarly, the opposition. Mostly, I have opposed them. But there were good points also. I can only say that in spite of my opposing them, they were more generous than my Congress party. They (the Congress) became more critical of me after my leaving. But, the BJP became friendly and praised me for my work.

Q/ You have written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised some of his qualities. Would you call him a friend?

A/ No, I would not call the prime minister a friend.... But, I would not call him an enemy either. My political learning took place under Indira Gandhi. Every year, I had Eid milan and Diwali milan. When I called Indira ji, I used to call Atal Bihari Vajpayee, too. She never asked me why I was calling them. The atmosphere has changed now. If you see somebody, they say you have become a BJP wallah.