To the manner born

I had the privilege to serve as a principal secretary to Chandra Shekhar during his all-too-brief tenure as PM. I soon found that he could teach even a seasoned bureaucrat much about the art of governance. He had a tremendous grasp of issues, and the ability to find a pragmatic solution to the most complex problems. The Punjab situation at that juncture was grave and the problems resulting from Mandalisation, spinning out of control. The new PM not only succeeded in defusing tensions, but demonstrated that he was deft in foreign policy making. He consulted his professional advisors, but took the major decisions himself. He once told me that if he were to go by what the media was writing or what the MEA was thinking, no solution to problems with Pakistan would ever be possible.

Chandra Shekhar was willing to listen to all points of view. Except when it came to his total commitment to secularism, he kept an open mind. His ability to negotiate solutions was, to a large extent, based on his talent for developing personal relationships. He had an excellent equation with Nawaz Sharif. Once, when some Swedish engineers had been kidnapped by militants in Kashmir, the Swedish ambassador came to see Chandra Shekhar to request his help. The PM explained how difficult the situation was. After the ambassador left, however, he decided to call Sharif. The conversation began thus: 8220;Bhaijan, what mischief are you up to over there?8221; Sharif denied Pakistan8217;s involvement. Chandra Shekhar then said that he did not intend to go to the media, but on humanitarian grounds the engineers should be released. He added, still in good humour, that he would not take no for an answer. The engineers were, in fact, released the next day. Not a word of this appeared in the media.

Chandra Shekhar had very humble beginnings and his humility never left him. Once, during an Iftar party hosted for Muslim diplomats in Delhi, an unexpected storm meant that everything had to be quickly shifted indoors. He himself carried carpets into his Race Course Road residence, making sure the guests would be able to say their prayers on time.

As a boss I found Chandra Shekhar always willing to listen, as did others. Although he often rejected our advice initially, we learned that with persistence he would usually come around to what we felt was the correct decision. Moreover, he did so with good grace, even humour.

It is unfortunate that there8217;s a tendency to downplay his term in office. More unfortunately, he was not allowed to fulfil his potential. If he had remained PM for a longer span, he may well have been able to avoid many problems that arose subsequently, like Babri Masjid. He may have also successfully initiated a peace process with Pakistan. His dignified resignation, which was a surprise even to us, was surely one of the finest moments in Parliament. Those of us who were fortunate to have worked with him will remember him with respect, gratitude and affection.

The writer was principal secretary to Chandra Shekhar, 1990-1991