Ghulam Nabi Azad's upcoming autobiography reveals Rahul Gandhi “mismanaged” Himanta Episode

Digital Desk: Former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has revealed in his upcoming autobiography " Azaad" how Rahul Gandhi "mismanaged" the leadership squabble in Assam between former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after rebelling against Mr Gogoi.

The book, which promises to uncover various backroom stories and witty anecdotes, will be released on April 5.

But, the publisher, Rupa, has included an excerpt from the episode in the invitation to the formal launch. 

Mr Azad quoted as mentioned in the book, read, ‘When we arrived at Rahul’s residence the next morning, we saw Tarun Gogoi and his son, Gaurav Gogoi, sitting with him. Rahul told us bluntly that there would be no change in leadership. We pointed out to him that Himanta had the majority of MLAs and would rebel and quit the party. ‘Let him go,’ Rahul said. The meeting was over."

"I'm not sure if Rahul stated this to assert himself or because he was unaware that his decision would have far-reaching effects, not only in Assam but throughout the Northeast," the author said.

The former Congress veteran, who has worked with various Prime Ministers, including Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao, and Dr Manmohan Singh, then wrote about how he urged then-Congress President Sonia Gandhi to be 'aware her of the twist in the tale' despite being aware of the potentially terrible repercussions, it is sad that she did not express herself as party president. Instead, she begged me to ask Himanta not to upset the apple cart" Mr Azad wrote.

Mr Azad ended his nearly five-decade connection with the Congress in August last year after a disagreement with the party's leadership over how the party should be run and founded his Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in Jammu and Kashmir.