In her newly released autobiography, In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines, former Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson Najma Heptulla shares key moments from her political career, including her election as the president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1999.
One such moment involves her attempt to convey the news to then-Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Calling from Berlin to share her achievement, Heptulla was left waiting for an hour, with Sonia Gandhi's staff telling her that "Madam is busy." Heptulla, who eventually left Congress in 2004 and joined the BJP, reflects on this incident as a symbol of the challenges she faced within the party.
Heptulla recalls calling then-Congress chief Sonia Gandhi from Berlin to share the news of her election to the prestigious position but was kept on hold for an hour and ultimately did not get to speak with Gandhi. “It drilled a sense of rejection in my psyche forever,” she writes. This incident marked a turning point in her relationship with the Congress.
Before contacting Gandhi, Heptulla had informed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who received her call immediately. Delighted by the news, Vajpayee celebrated the achievement, both for India and as a milestone for an Indian Muslim woman. Upon her return, his government elevated her IPU role to cabinet minister rank, with additional support for international engagements.
The autobiography also highlights Heptulla's growing disenchantment with the Congress under Sonia Gandhi's leadership. She criticises the “new coterie of inexperienced sycophants” surrounding Gandhi, which she believes sidelined experienced party members and eroded internal communication.
Heptulla contrasts Sonia Gandhi's leadership style with that of Indira Gandhi, who she says maintained direct communication with rank-and-file members. She laments the decline of organisational ethics and productivity under Sonia's tenure.
The former Congress veteran, who joined the BJP in 2004 and served as the Union Minister for Minority Affairs in the Narendra Modi government, reflects on her IPU presidency as a personal and professional milestone. She also recounts moments of recognition, including celebrations hosted by Vasundhara Raje and the BJP’s support for her global role.
In her book, Heptulla highlights her advocacy for democracy, social justice, and women's rights, underscoring a career that transcends party lines.
(With inputs from agencies)
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