Former diplomat documents Zail Singh’s years as head of State

It was arguably one of the most fractious presidency periods in the history of the country. Then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi took an active dislike to President Zail Singh and did little to hide it. How the shrewd politician that Zail Singh was, manoeuvred his way to uphold the dignity of his office is a tale that continues to resonate even today. And no one could have told it better than former diplomat KC Singh, who worked with the former president.

The launch of his book titled “The Indian President: An Insider’s Account of the Zail Singh Years” by Novel Bunch, attracted a diverse audience eager to delve into the the late president’s years in the office. In a conversation with television personality Barkha Dutt, KC contextualised the book’s significance while bringing to life the Zail Singh era.

From a letter to Rajiv Gandhi that the President’s office leaked to The Indian Express, to Gianiji’s conversation with the Queen, the book is replete with anecdotes.

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Gianiji, said KC, knew the art of building relationships. “BK Nehru once said Gianiji had the knowledge of sages,” the diplomat said.

Referring to Operation Bluestar and the response of the then president, KC said though at that time he too thought the president should have resigned, in the hindsight he could now see the wisdom of his action. “His resignation would have widened the chasm between the Indian state and the Sikhs.”

“One-third of book,” the former diplomat said “is on the dangers to democracy. When you stop listening to others, the institution of democracy is threatened. In such a situation, the role of the president becomes vital.”