A definitive, fascinating and enthralling narrative by an insider that reveals unknown facets of two of India’s charismatic figures while, at the same time, presenting recent history as it unfolded.

Rajiv Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into the arena of politics. The author got to know him when, in January 1985, Rajiv Gandhi (who had succeeded Indira Gandhi, his mother, as prime minister after her assassination) asked him to take over as Union home secretary. In that capacity, the author worked very closely with Rajiv Gandhi who had to tackle a range of crucial issues such as terrorism and the separatist movement in the Punjab, and festering insurgency in Mizoram.

After retiring as home secretary, Pradhan worked as a close aide to Rajiv Gandhi during his last election campaign in April-May 1991. After Rajiv Gandhi’s brutal assassination (on 21 May 1991), the author recounts his vital role in P.V. Narasimha Rao’s elevation as prime minister in late June 1991. Pradhan legitimately asks, on the basis of certain facts, whether the assassination could have been prevented.

In the late 1990s and thereafter, the author was associated with Sonia Gandhi and her career. He actively assisted her in the early years of her political life. He was also by her side when in 1999, as the new Congress president, she faced an overt rebellion by a section of wily, hardcore and ambitious senior politicians. He traces how Sonia Gandhi, over the years, has emerged as a formidable force to reckon with.

In this autobiographical account the R.D. Pradhan shares memories, anecdotes and incidents that throw light on important events and prominent political personalities including Pranab Mukherjee, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Sharad Pawar, Arjun Singh and Arun Nehru.