A true liberal | The Indian Express

A true liberal | The Indian Express

Written by Neerja Chowdhury |Updated: July 30, 2019 1:55:43 am

The writer is a senior journalist

A true liberal

Jaipal Reddy’s passing is a poignant reminder that the India we knew is gone.

Jaipal Reddy became India’s I & B minister when Gujral took over as PM. (Express Photo)

“There is only one portfolio I am certain I have the right person for,” I K Gujral had remarked to a friend, hours before he took over as prime minister in mid 1997. “It is the Information and Broadcasting ministry for Jaipal Reddy.” He made this remark minutes after word came — “ho raha hai”— that Congress leader Sitaram Kesri had firmed up the requisite support for him. This was just after the departure of H D Deve Gowda as prime minister.