The Politics of Memoir: Some Indian tell-all titles to read while Mike Pence plans his book

It was recently reported that former US Vice President Mike Pence will be writing a much-anticipated memoir. Use this occasion to revisit some titles that politicians and bureaucrats in India have written

Given the events before and after the 2020 presidential elections, there is little doubt that US Vice President Mike Pence’s recently-announced memoir will be widely read when it releases in 2023. In a politically-charged world, there is always curiosity about the people and dynamics within the corridors of power. In India too we have had some revealing books written by politicians and bureaucrats that give some insight into India’s political playground.  

Relentless: An Autobiography by Yashwant Sinha

In this book, Yashwant Sinha, the senior leader who quit the BJP in 2018 and became an acerbic critic of the party, chronicles his personal journey from humble beginnings to reaching the highest levels of power. It has been described as a compelling read for the former Finance Minister's commentary on diverse topics such as politics, religion, democracy and its institutions, as well as family, personal struggle and chasing his dreams.

The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh by Sanjaya Baru

This book by political commentator and analyst Sanjaya Baru is an account of his years as a media advisor to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Published controversially in the midst of a fraught 2014 election, the book gave a peek into how the former PM works, his equations with other leaders, and other anecdotes from the office. A movie based on the book was released by the same name in 2019. Actor Akshaye Khanna essayed the role of the author Baru.

My Country My Life by Lal Krishna Advani

It is an account of the personal and political ideals of one of the veterans of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004, and was also the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In a scathing review, journalist Praful Bidwai, wrote about the book: “One doesn’t expect full, candid disclosures about the past from practising politicians. But one can hope for some analysis, honest reflection, new information, or self-doubt. Advani disappoints.” 

The Other Side of the Mountain by Salman Khurshid

Salman Khurshid held important portfolios in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. In ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’, he highlighted some pivotal political events including the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, in the aftermath of which Khurshid penned it. It is described as a concise biography not of any one person but of many who were a part of the UPA.

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