Tharoor’s bid national endeavour: Atal

Tharoor told reporters that while they discussed writing, he suggested to Vajpayee that he write more poetry. However, he said, Vajpayee ‘‘confided in me that he is working on a book, in fact, his memoirs.’’ The former prime minister has a collection of poems — Meri Ikyavan Kavitayein — to his credit. Tharoor hoped people would wait for Vajpayee’s memoirs ‘‘with interest.’’

Vajpayee’s other writings include Meri Sansadiya Yatra, Sankalp Kaal, Amar Aag Hai, Shakti Se Shanti and Jan Sangh Aur Mussalman.

Sources said Vajpayee’s memoirs would mainly draw on his years as prime minister. The canvas would of course spread wide with the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, Lahore bus trip, Agra summit, Kargil conflict, Gujarat violence and Golden Quadrilateral Highway Project are all expected to figure in it.

Tharoor has already met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Leader of Opposition L K Advani and Left leaders during his visit.

Asked how Vajpayee viewed his candidature, Tharoor said he told him that it was a national endeavour. The former prime minister, Tharoor said, was optimistic about his success.