As the rest of the country celebrated Makar Sankranti, former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee gazed at the 1000th full moon of his life in the company of a galaxy of heavyweights from the world of politics, business and the media.The sahasra chandra darshan function, organised by Pramod Mahajan at his residence in Lutyens Delhi, went according to carefully crafted script: Pandit Jasraj sang bhajans, President Kalam presented Vajpayee a memento, and the guests—including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh—were shown a gushing video on Vajpayee’s life and treated to an elegant, moonlit dinner.If Vajpayee, the party’s erstwhile Ram, astounded the BJP recently with his declaration that L.K. Advani and Pramod Mahajan were its new ‘Ram-Lakshman’, Mahajan returned the compliment today in full measure. Not only did he organise a ‘‘perfect’’ evening for his mentor and anointer, he went to the extent of comparing Vajpayee to Jesus Christ (with whom he shares his birthday) while praising his many qualities.By inviting leaders from across the political spectrum, Mahajan was keen to emphasise that the occasion was ‘‘cultural and social’’ with no politics at all. That is why the guest list included leaders from the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, and even the Left, although, as it turned out, no Left leader could make it.But while not overtly political, Mahajan’s mission was clear: to ensure Vajpayee iconic status even though he is no longer prime minister and holds no post in the party. Although Vajpayee is unlikely to get the country’s top job again, his acolytes they want him to enjoy a special status in Indian history—as a second Jawaharlal Nehru.While witnessing the 1000th full moon of one’s life is celebrated in the southern and western parts of the country, it is usually a small family affair. In north India, it is little known. And is lesser so in the world of politics.By organising a grand get-together for Vajpayee today, Mahajan has not only show-cased his organisational skills and his admiration for—and gratitude to—Vajpayee, but has also perhaps started a new trend in politics. As more political leaders turn 81 (Advani is 78), others may also expect such celebrations in the future, BJP insiders feel.Today, though, was reserved for Vajpayee. Last month, during the BJP’s silver jubilee celebrations in Mumbai, Vajpayee had reiterated his decision to ‘‘retire’’ from electoral politics. Mahajan made sure today that if Vajpayee does walk into the sunset, there will be moonlight to guide him the rest of the way.
