Shri Lalji Tandon, the Governor of
Madhya Pradesh, has died at the age of 85. Born in 1935, he was certainly a
politician from an era which has gone past. After getting news about his death,
I tried to read more about him and his life, to reflect on how typical
politicians have changed over the time.
Shri Lalji Tandon was a stalwart
leader of the BJP. He was a politician belonging to the era of Atal Behari
Vajpayee and LK Advani. His stature can be understood from the fact that after
his death, 3 days of state mourning has been announced in the state of Uttar
Pradesh in his honor. And Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the following about
him today, "Shri Lalji Tandon will be remembered for his untiring efforts
to serve society. He played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar
Pradesh. He made a mark as an effective administrator, always giving importance
of public welfare."
Lalji Tandon was born in Lucknow on
12th of April 1935. He graduated from Lucknow University and married
Krishna Tandon. The couple had three children. During his initial days, Lalji Tandon
was associated with RSS as a volunteer (Swayamsevak). He met Atal Behari
Vajpayee during his stint at the RSS and made him his life-time friend and
guide. He started his political stint in the year 1960. He was two times member
of UP legislative committee and 3 times MLA. He took part in JP Movement against
Indira Gandhi. Lalji Tandon is known for many innovative experiments in
politics. He is also known to have played a key role in BJP's alliance with the
BSP in Uttar Pradesh. He also served as a minister in Uttar Pradesh at more
than one occasion. When Atal Behari Vajpayee left politics, his Lucknow Lok Sabha
seat was given to Lalji Tandon and he won it easily. And in his later part of
life, he served as a Governor of two states: Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
What makes Lalji Tandon different
from the current crop of leaders is his life and his approach to politics. He was
born in Lucknow and remained associated with it for his whole life. He was a
very popular figure in the city and derived his strength from the community. He
was also well educated and had written a book on the history of Lucknow, titled
"Ankaha Lucknow" (अनकहा लखनऊ). He made several new points in his book, including
how although the city of Lucknow derived its name and legacy from “Lakshman” (Brother
of Lord Ram), later on Mughals and Nawabs had changed the city’s impression and
identity to an Islamic one.
He was known to have a good nature
and he used to get along with everyone very well. He had a completely clean
political tenure with no controversies or charges of corruption, which is now a
day seen rarely.
If we think of Atal Behari Vajpayee
and then think of his associate and protégé Lalji Tandon, we can easily
understand that these leaders constituted a “class” of politicians. These
leaders were highly educated and intellectuals in their field; associated
deeply with the society; had dedicated their whole life for the cause; and
never took shortcuts to success. These leaders had morals and principles and
lived by those during their entire life. They achieved success not because of
any “accident”; but because of the strength of their character. If we look at
the current crop of leaders who are constantly into the “mess” of the things;
where they are often seen raising provocative slogans, polarizing voters, or
stooping to any level just to cling to the power, we shall realize the
importance of having leaders like Lalji Tandon; which I think is important to
keep the faith of our future generations in the politics of our country.
Om Shanti.
- Rahul Tiwary
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