THE COALITION YEARS

The Coalition YearsThe Coalition Years begins its journey in 1996 and explores the highs and lows that characterized sixteen years of one of the most tumultuous periods in the nation’s political history. It is an insightful account of the larger governance phenomenon in India—coalition politics—as seen through the eyes of one of the chief architects of the post-Congress era of Indian politics.From the inexplicable defeat of the Congress in the 1996 general elections and the rise of regional parties like the TDP and the TMC to the compelling factors that forced the Congress to withdraw support to the I.K. Gujral government and the singular ability of Sonia Gandhi to forge an alliance with diverse political parties that enabled the Congress to lead the coalitions of UPA I and II Pranab Mukherjee was a keen observer and an active participant in the contemporary developments that reshaped the course of the country’s political economic and social destiny.Beyond the challenges complications and compulsions of coalition governments this book is also a recollection of Mukherjee’s journey as the Cabinet Minister in the key ministries of defence external affairs and finance beginning from 2004. He recounts each of these events with candour—the path-breaking meeting with Henry Kissinger in 2004 that altered the course of the Indo–US strategic partnership his timely advice to Bangladesh Army Chief Moeen Ahmed in 2008 that led to the release of political prisoners there and the differing views with RBI Governor D. Subbarao on the structure of the FSDC.The third volume of Mukherjee’s autobiography is a sharp and candid account of his years at the helm. It offers the most authoritative account of contemporary Indian politics by one of the tallest leaders and statesmen of our generation.The Turbulent Years: 1980 - 1996Join the President of India on this journey to understand the depths of the world’s largest democracy In this book the honourable President of India Dr. Pranab Mukherjee presents a sharp edged account of the very strong political and economic decisions that have shaped the future of modern India. He starts from the decisions of 1980s which had a huge impact on today’s economy. He narrates the incident of Sanjay Gandhi’s death under unexpected circumstances followed by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. ‘The reluctant politician’ Rajiv Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of India. Dr. Mukherjee was a witness to the events that followed in 1980s and 1990s a period that he refers to as one of the most turbulent times of Indias post-independence history. Understand the deep decisions and inner politics of the 1990s Dr. Mukherjee sheds light on all the major occurrences of that time from Rajiv Gandhi’s swearing to the rise of P.V. Narasimha Rao as the leader from the famous Operation Blue Star to the Babri Masjid riots. He knew all about the rumours and the allegations Rajiv Gandhi’s relations with North East Politicians and many other crucial events. Unfold the secrets of the world’s biggest democracy In the second volume Mukherjee speaks very honestly about his years in power and also presents a very clean analysis of the political events that followed. The book gives an insight of the lives of major leaders who took these decisions and presents a picture of how an uprising democracy came to terms with the Foreign Direct Investment Scheme. This second volume is Mukherjee’s autobiography and is the most awaited book after his bestselling book ‘The Dramatic Decade’. About the Author Dr. Pranab Mukherjee is the 13th President of India who is currently in the 4th year of his power and has been involved in Indian Politics for over 60 years. Dr. Mukherjee was a senior leader in the Indian National Congress and played an active role in Rajya Sabha as well was Lok Sabha. Pranab Mukherjee’s intellectual and political knowledge is widely admired and he is the recipient of Padma vibushan award. The book can be easily bought from A.