NEW DELHI: In 2008, when Shatrughan Sinha was denied a third term for the Rajya Sabha, he felt the most hurt that BJP did not consider his request citing two-terms rule. He let his hurt show in his biography in launched on Wednesday. BJP patriarch LK Advani, whom Sinha had described his mentor, not only launched the biography but also tried to undo his ‘wrong.’
“I publically apologise that Shatrughan Sinha was not given a third term. He has made many complimentary references in the book saying i was his mentor, but only once did he express his resentment that Advani did not send him to Rajya Sabha (for third term). He was popular and it won’t have been difficult for him to get elected in Lok Sabha,” Advani said in a honest admission at the launch function held at a hotel here. Sinha was elected from Lok Sabha 2009, after he announced the seat – Patna Sahib - for himself.
At crowded launch function, where his biography titled “Anything But Khamosh: The Shatrughan Sinha Biography” penned by film critic by Bharathi Pradhan, Sinha had his family also by his side on the stage who recalled his contribution to their lives. Among those present during the launch were ministers Dr Harshvardhan, General VK Singh, MP Kirti Azad, Amar Singh, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh walked in as the function ended.
For those looking for the spicier political statements during the launch, another BJP veteran Yashwant Sinha did the job. Shatrughan Sinha thanked Yashwant Sinha for making his the star paracharak (star campaigner) during the election campaign. When asked why was not Shotgun made a star campaigner this time, Yashwant Sinha remarked caustically. “Leave apart star campaigner, he was not even made a campaigner.” Amidst laughter from the audience, Yashwant Sinha continued that who managed party’s campaign did not consider it important. “Had he been there he would have got 10 more votes, and I atleast two,” former finance minster added as he clarified that he may be a margdarshak, but was not in the mandal, as it was an elite club, a select club.
Yashwant was referring to BJP’s margdarshak mandal which has Advani, MM Joshi and AB Vajapayi, a move seen by many to keep them away from decision making process in the BJP. He continued with his jibes: “after 75 years, we are considered brain dead. I am here and want to show am not, but still we are considered dead.”
Yashwant Sinha recounted another anecdote of their visit to Pakistan, when he along with Shatrughan and Sanskari censor board chief (Pahlaj Nahalani). We travelled with security during a crisis. It was only due to Sahtrughan Sinha that police at check point recognised and let our car pass. Am sure if Shatrughan was to be thrown out of BJP, he can join a party there.”
Family Man
Actress Sonakshi Sinha and her brother Kusha Sinha read paragraphs from the book, as they had a friendly banter with the “world’s bestest dad.” I love him as Dad, but will not have person like him as my husband. As I am a modern woman and would not like to be told to do thing,” Sonakshi jokingly referred to Shotgun’s bossy style at home with his wife Poonam, also seated there.
Shatrughan Sinha was at his humorous best as not only stayed from controversies saying chhodo kal ki baten(leave aside past) to not being used as campaigner in Bihar to pulling his wife’s leg. Only once i was caught red handed by my wife. She magnanimously condoned him mistake and chided me that i should never be seen associated with any women. I can assure you since then i have never been caught.”
Sequel
As Advani recalled that Sinha had hinted that a political sequel to his biography was mentioned in the current biography, popular bollywood actor said he would certainly write one. And it may contain the current controversies within the saffron party.
