A MAN MISREMEMBERED

Wajahat Habibullah’s book is a long overdue revision of the widely-accepted view of Rajiv Gandhi’s political life. He is the least remembered of the prime ministers who lasted a full term or more, and when he is remembered, it is usually for his failures. His very considerable achievements are forgotten.

- Mark Tully

MY YEARS WITH RAJIV Triumph and Tragedy by Wajahat Habibullah

WESTLAND

356 pages

As an IAS officer working in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at the end of Indira Gandhi’s premiership and continuing there through most of Rajiv’s time, Wajahat saw Rajiv’s political career at close quarters. Friends with him since their Doon School days, Wajahat is an admirer of Rajiv. But this book is not a hagiography. Rajiv made very serious mistakes. None of them are glossed over.