Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna : A Political Crusader

The fifth most populated in the world if it were a country, Uttar Pradesh has undoubtedly been India’s most politically important state since independence. Yet, one of the biggest names in such a politically seminal state, H N Bahuguna , who governed and served the people with crusading zeal, has hardly been written about comprehensively and insightfully . This English rendition of the book, originally published in Hindi, is the first of its kind. With much value addition to the original script, this work is a tour de force. It dwells not only on Bahuguna’s humble beginnings but also his tempestuous political journey from the state legislature to Parliament , from Chief Minister to Minister in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet. With candour and clarity, the book unravels the fault lines of the Congress of the time, the story of Bahuguna falling foul of Mrs Gandhi and the formation of Congress for Democracy. In the Parliament and Assembly as well, Bahuguna was a force to reckon with, advocating the welfare of workers and pushing the case for reforms in the realms of education, economy and health .His offbeat ideas on Centre-State relations, and the problematic states of Kashmir, Assam and Punjab were taken note of by all concerned. As the book suggests, Bahuguna’s exceptional political integrity and unflinching commitment to the nation and its Parliamentary democracy, hold cardinal lessons for the present times .