Description:

An authentic, definitive and no holds barred narrative – packed with fascinating incidents and anecdotes – that brings alive the life and times of one of the most prominent and striking individuals (a former royal) in the sphere of Punjab politics. Beginning with a historical background of how the Patiala kingdom came to be established and ruled over the centuries, the author moves on to describe the early years of Amarinder Singh (a scion of that kingdom). He then portrays the Indo Pak war zone of 1965 (where the protagonist earned his spurs) and finally focuses on the combative arenas of Punjab politics, where numerous electoral and other battles have been (and continue to be) fought. This informative work unravels the subterfuges of politicians and others (including religious leaders) in trying to ensure their dominance. The pages reveal behind the scenes intrigues, plots and counter plots even as Punjab was in the vice like grip of terrorism in the late twentieth century. Operation Bluestar (June 1984) and its consequences have been objectively recorded. Besides tracing the career graph of Amarinder Singh, who reached his pinnacle when he became the chief minister of Punjab in February 2002, the author provides useful insights into crucial events that have made an immense impact on that state and the neighbouring areas over the past few decades. The text also throws light on Amarinder Singh’s five year tenure as chief minister (marked by both positive and negative aspects) and on the following period, when Parkash Singh Badal regained that post. The contents are rounded off with an update on the Punjab situation even as all the political parties in the state are gearing up for the rough and tumble of the forthcoming assembly elections in early 2017. Through this book, Khushwant Singh highlights those factors that set apart Amarinder Singh from his adversaries, besides taking an occasional peek into his private life and idiosyncrasies. Here’s a saga that records history in the making in Punjab.