-Atal Ji was not in favor of discussions behind someone's back: Chandra Prakash Agnihotri

Lucknow, 24 December (H.S.): In a vivid recollection shared on Wednesday, Chandra Prakash Agnihotri, close friend of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and president of the Indian Citizens' Council, recounted an unforgettable moment from a public rally at Urmila Park in Lucknow, where Vajpayee's quick wit turned a technical glitch into a light-hearted triumph.

The event unfolded during a massive jan sabha addressed by Atal Ji. Suddenly, the microphone began picking up All India Radio (Akashvani) interference. As the crowd urged fixes to the audio, Vajpayee calmly quieted the audience and inquired if they could hear his voice clearly. With resounding yes affirmations echoing back, he quipped with characteristic humor, Listen to All India Radio with one ear and my speech with the other.

The remark instantly hushed the gathering, and remarkably, the radio interference ceased at that very moment.Agnihotri, a veteran Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker residing in Daliganj, shared this anecdote exclusively with 'Hindusthan Samachar'. He further narrated another incident highlighting Vajpayee's principled stance against backchannel discussions.

During a visit to Lucknow when the late Ram Prakash Gupta served as the Bharatiya Jana Sangh's state president, Vajpayee was seated on the rear veranda. Agnihotri and former MLA Bhagwati Shukla approached for a meeting, but Shukla abruptly launched into a conversation about Uttar Pradesh Jana Sangh matters.Vajpayee interjected sharply, Bhagwati, wait. He then summoned Ram Prakash, who arrived and took a seat.

Turning to Shukla, Vajpayee admonished, Bhagwati, what are you doing? Stay silent. He emphasized his preference for open, face-to-face organizational deliberations, firmly opposing behind-the-back discussions. He was not in favor of discussions behind someone's back, Agnihotri recalled.

Agnihotri portrayed Vajpayee's interactions with party workers as deeply personal and familial. Whenever Vajpayee met activists or visited homes on special occasions, it felt as though he belonged to their own family, exuding warmth and camaraderie.Reflecting on these bonds, Agnihotri grew emotional, underscoring the profound personal connection.

A prominent figure in Lucknow's event scene, Agnihotri owned Sundar Sound Service, which provided audio setups for the city's major programs. His shop catered to large gatherings, cementing his role in the local socio-political fabric alongside his longstanding association with Vajpayee. These reminiscences paint a portrait of Atal Ji not just as a towering leader, but as a man of humor, principle, and genuine relatability.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar