The politician | Review of In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines by Najma Heptulla

Najma Heptulla's autobiography delves into her political journey from Congress to BJP, including her role in back-channel diplomacy.

Najma Heptulla has been a fixture of Indian politics for decades. She served as the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha for 17 years, through years of Congress (her earlier party) majority, and the more unsettled coalition years. She presided over the House of Elders, through some rather stormy times, when uncertain numbers created the need for consensus, charm and tact.

Her autobiography, In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines, is an anecdote-studded lookback at her public life. Heptulla’s political journey began with the Congress but ended in the BJP. She became a minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet, and later Governor of Manipur.

In her long stint, she interacted with many leaders, from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, her son and successor Rajiv Gandhi, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee and later Prime Minister Modi. Heptulla writes about their various styles of dealing with colleagues and partymen and women.

Her falling out with Sonia Gandhi and shifting to the BJP in 2004 is dealt with in detail, a tale of a complete breakdown of trust.

Two chapters of her life drew me to the book. One is her role in back-channel diplomacy with West Asia and the Arab countries, where Heptulla’s family connections with Saudi Arabia and understanding of that culture came in handy. She writes about it in a fascinating early chapter — how Indira Gandhi’s first state visit to Saudi Arabia came about, and her role in it.

The second aspect of her autobiography that is of interest is her stint as Manipur Governor, especially in the context of the ongoing turmoil in the State.

Her description of the northeastern State and how she attempted to breach the divide between Raj Bhavan and the people is written with great affection. She wore local attire (phanek), and took time to speak to each group of Kukis, Meiteis and Nagas. She also lobbied hard for direct connectivity for the State by air to Delhi.