Atal, Mamata shared a very salubrious relationship

Vajpayee was more than just a guide to her

The former PM even welcomed her back after she threw tantrums

Atal Bihari Vajpayee is one of the tallest political leaders India has produced. Though he was in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he had struck a chord with all political leaders, cutting across party lines, thus earning the epithet ‘Ajathashatru’ or ‘one with no enemies.’ 

Talking of his knack in striking a rapport with others, his relation with Mamata Banerjee, the incumbent chief minister of West Bengal is a germane matter of interest. 

Two decades ago, in 2001, Mamata Banerjee was the minister of railways in Vajpayee government. However, she called it quits on the grounds that Vajapyee was siding with George Fernandez, the then defence minister, who was embroiled in a coffin scam in relation to Kargil martyrs. 

Though he resigned, Mamata’s tantrums didn’t end. She also contested the WB Assembly elections, joining hands with the Congress. But she didn’t win the elections. 

However, several of her friends counselled her into getting back to the NDA. Initially, Mamata did dither, but when she sought a rapprochement with Vajpayee, he was all cordial with her. 

Not just that, Vajpayee also gave her the coal and mines ministry, with just months left for the 2004 elections. 

Today, she has pledged her loyalty to the Opposition, but it was Vajpayee who had the broad shoulders to accept her comeback and exhibit real statesmanship.