Jinnah: India Partition Independence by Jaswant Singh

The book which seems to have become responsible for a probable collapse of the historic and formidable Bharatiya Janata Party is out in the market and is selling like hot cakes. Written by none other than former union minister and a long time BJP associate Jaswant Singh, the book is of 674 pages. The publisher and seller of this happens to be Rupa and Co, the price is currently at Rs 695 and it is a hardbound edition.

The work by Jaswant has been looking at Mohammed Ali Jinnah, leader of the Awami Muslim League in a rather upclose manner and gives a different perspective. This has actually changed the lines of history since many believe it was Jinnah who was responsible for the partition of India and the later consequences.

However, Jaswant who has been part of history as a soldier and then a politician has stirred the hornet’s nest by writing that it was not Jinnah but Sardar Patel who actually gave Pakistan. Also, the fact that Jinnah was keen on a federal structure while Pandit Nehru was focused on a central structure is also said to be another cause as per Jaswant. While Gandhiji was said to be relying on a federal approach, it is believed that Nehru was the man who was not game for it and paved way for the partition of the country. For all those political buffs who want emotion and sentiment along with a nostalgic velocity of this great nation’s past, this would be a treat with a pinch of salt.

About the Author :

Jaswant Singh has come a long way from his home in the desert districts of Rajasthan. Commissioned in the Indian Army when barely nineteen, he went through two wars whilst in service (1962 and 1965) before resigning his commission to pursue a political career. He has served seven terms in Parliament, and, in the BJP-led governments of 1996 and 1998-2004, held charge of six ministries of the Government of India, including External Affairs, Defence and Finance. Regarded as an authority on Indian foreign policy and national security, Jaswant Singh is among the most respected names in the country’s public life, and in the world of diplomacy. He is deservedly given credit for dexterously steering India out of the turbulent diplomatic seas encountered in the aftermath of the nuclear tests.

Related posts:

1. Some More of Meera Jee