By – Anuj Dhar
The second PM of India died under suspicious circumstances more than 54 years back. Away from his homeland, and only a few hours after the inking of a crucial treaty ending the India-Pakistan War of 1965. Still the doubts about the cause of his death remain in public minds as the government was not able to provide transparent and satisfactory answers to those doubts.
“Your Prime Minister is Dead” attempts to present the controversies surrounding the death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, presenting various theories in one place.
This book begins with various events leading to Shastriji’s tragic death and after that. Then it goes on to explore some issues raised by the opponent and government’s clarifications to dispel the doubts and to establish Shastriji’s death due to natural causes.
Not only the Indian media, the external media to record their observations about the untimely and shocking death of the Indian leader. Some stunning facts also came to light from these external sources. Mrs. Lalita Shastri also recorded the doubts about her husband’s death in an interview.
The author then analysed various theories, which can be categorised as (1) American, (2) Soviet, and (3) Indian hands. He has analysed various angles logically and, taking in to condition the way the intelligence networks of the super powers worked in those days. Also the way the Indian government and a few diplomats acted, attempted to present a fair view of the strengths and weaknesses of various theories in his book.
Towards the end of the book, he also tried to draw a parallel between this Mystery with the greatest political mystery of the last century – the disappearance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. On the basis of certain facts coming to light from Shastriji’s last telephone call to his family and also from his conversations with Bose family members before his fateful journey, Author realise that linking the death mystery with Netaji’s disappearance mystery cannot be left unconsidered.
The book is an interesting reading and has all the qualities of a successful crime Thriller – suspense, analytical thinking and powerful presentation. It is a small book in paperback format and superbly printed and bound.
I recommend this book for all those who want to know about Shastriji’s death mystery.
