Reading between the lines in Advani's memoirs

BY THE BOOK: Advani's book of memoirs was released on Wednesday.

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New Delhi: BJP leader L K Advani’s book of memoirs is a conscious attempt to build his image as the ‘Iron Man’ of Indian politics and clear doubts about his ideology.

Advani’s career may have been overshadowed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but My Country, My Life clears the point that he is now the BJP’s ideological mascot and the Sangh Parivar’s prime minister-in-waiting.

The running theme throughout the book is Advani's desire to be seen as the modern day iron man of indian politics. From refusing to celebrate the demolition of Babri Masjid to calling President Pervez Musharraf's bluff on Dawood Ibrahim, Advani tries to reinforce his ideological moorings and strengthen his claim as the flag bearer of India’s political right wing.

Advani was the posterboy of Hindutva in the 90s. Many believe that that mantle has been passed on to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi now. But by publishing his biography at this crucial juncture in his political life, Advani has clearly sent a message that he remains a leader who is ready to reach out to his original constituency once again even while being more acceptable to the BJP allies.

Advani is one of India’s most influential political figures of the last 20 years. His book will give insight to his career but will it also help him make a successful transition to Advani, the potential prime minister of an NDA coalition. The jury is still out on that one.