Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 100th birthday: “I am alive because of Rajiv Gandhi"- Why did Vajpayee write this in his book?

In the present times, the number of leaders who practice politics of high ideals and values like Atal Bihari Vajpayee has become very less. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was such a rare politician of India, who was respected and revered by his supporters and opponents. His personality and style were unique in itself. When he used to present his views in the Parliament, the entire House used to listen to him quietly. His way of speaking was such that everyone was convinced by his words. Even while targeting his opponents, he used to make it feel as if he was scolding and reprimanding a loved one and showing him the right path. The effect of his simplicity and soft-spokenness was such that even his opponents became his friends.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s friendship with Rajiv Gandhi

It is said about Atal Bihari Vajpayee that he was respected not only by his own people but also by his opponents. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi also had a lot of affection for Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Former Prime Minister and Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi was generally known for his sharp attacks against BJP leaders in the Parliament, but he too was very polite towards Atal Bihari Vajpayee and had affection for him.

There was a good friendship between the two. The friendship between Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee became an ideal that is hardly possible in today's politics. Despite the political differences between the two, a strong relationship remained between the two stalwart leaders. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee mentioned his friendship with Rajiv Gandhi in his book "The Untold Vajpayee: Politician and Paradox".

Gandhi sent Vajpayee to New York

In his book, Vajpayee revealed how Rajiv Gandhi helped him. Atal ji had kidney disease. When Rajiv Gandhi, who was the Prime Minister at that time, came to know about it, he sent Atal Bihari Vajpayee to America for treatment where he was treated. Vajpayee has told in his book, “As soon as Rajiv Gandhi came to know about my kidney problem, he called me to his office and said that he would include me in the Indian delegation to the United Nations (UN) so that I could take advantage of it and get my treatment done. I went to New York and this treatment was the reason for keeping me alive.”

Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. He had instructed his officers to ensure that Atal Bihari Vajpayee returned only after completing his treatment. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the leader of the opposition at that time.

What did Vajpayee say about Rajiv Gandhi?

After the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, Atal Bihari Vajpayee mentioned this incident in a conversation with senior journalist Karan Thapar. Vajpayee said that although he was an opponent of Rajiv Gandhi, he could never talk to him like a normal political rival. He only shared what Rajiv Gandhi had done for him. Atal Bihari may not be in this world today, but his thoughts, his ideals and his thinking are still alive in the hearts of the people.