Beyond the Lines Kindle Edition

Kuldip Nayar’s book is a treat for anyone to understand the nation’s political history in a nutshell. His observation of Nation’s premier from close quarters show the human side of all our leaders is insightful.The first few chapters of the book deals with the movement of the author’s family from Sialkot and trial / tribulations while trying to find his feet in the refugee colony of Delhi. His coverage of the assasination of Mahatma Gandhi and the way he found Nehru, Patel, Mountbatten dealing with the death of the path bearer. A lot of details about the relationship between Nehru and Patel has been written and there differing perspective on matters of national importance. However, a few startling things which come out are, that partition was primarily due to the fatigue of the Congress party, specifically Nehru and Patel to deal with Muslim League and there desire to get to POWER before it was too late for them to accomplish anything meaningful. Secondly, for all the Patel afficandos the fact that he wanted to give away Kashmir, as it was primarily a Muslim majority state is startling.The author then moves to the post partition time when he works as PIB for the Home minister GB Pant, who deals with the vexed issues of adoption of Hindi across the country. The push back from the southern states, the disintegration of Assam into hill states over the non-adoption of English by Assam Chief Minister of Assam. The drubbing India received in the 1962 war. The kind of impact this had on the national psyche and especially Nehru. Nehru’s attempt to groom Indira for the top post, brushing aside any resistance. The sudden demise and the decision by the Congress syndicate headed by K Kamraj to place Lal Bahadur Shashtri as the next prime minister for his lack of dynamism. The 1965 Indo-Pak war, and the bold steps taken by Shastri to cross over to Pakistan which ultimately ended up in the Tashkent declaration. The failure of the talks, then Russia forcing a declaration, as it was its first attempt on world stage. The sudden death of Shashtri and the alleged murder by his family.The next interesting phase of the Indian political history is the ascent of Indira Gandhi, splitting the Indian Congress, sidelining the key opponents like YB Chavan and Jagjivan Ram. Her distrust for all her own party members and the ascend of Sanjay Gandhi, her second son. The excesses of Emergency has been detailed, and how the entire media houses, political parties were maimed. The trio of Bansi Lal, Sanjay Gandhi, his Doon classmates ruled the roost. Indira Gandhi’s unflinching trust in her son, and coming to his defence at every possible event, including giving him the license for manufacturing small cars, rejecting proposals from Toyota, Renault etc. Then comes the tragic demise of her son and the tragedy of Operation Bluestar, her subsequent assasination. The coronation of Rajiv Gandhi, the reluctant son to the top post and Congress sweeping the 1984 election.The book then explores the blunders of Rajiv Government on Shah Bano case, Ram Janm Bhoomi case and his subsequent flip flops, where he lost a golden opportunity to bring change. Subsequently the book does cover the post 1991 events. However not in such details as the event prior to 1991.The book does cover the 1947-1991 in great detail, and other books of contemporary period i.e. post 1991 are covered better in the other books by different authors. However, it is one of the best reads. Kuldip Nayar, maintains an easy flow and languid style which makes this an exceptional read.

Kuldip Nayyar has tried to put his life on paper.He draws too much of a picture of history ,which might bore the reader but nevertheless is somehow important for his narrative.This book tells his life story from being the son in law of Congress Chief Minister Bhim Sen Sachar to him becoming the most respectable journalist of India.

Must read for all who are interested in Post Independence fate ( history?) of India and Pakistan.

beautifulfull of factsmust read book

Nice and valuable book

We see through the legendary journalist Kuldip Nayar the history of South Asia panning in veritable derail. A must-read for lovers of history.

Nice , elegant and well writen book, specially the political situations are extremely satifically explained

Read this to know the insight of upright cop leading from the front.

Good account of pre - post independence Indian politics

Nice book. Glimpse of India history and detail about Political & other popular personalities of India.

Must read

It is an authenticated document on the history of indian politics- better use for students doing research on the subject.

A must read and have book for everyone. Gives a first hand account of Indian political history from one of the finest journalist.

Interesting book

Must read book if you want to have some unbiased view from some one having inside info.