Former President Pranab Mukerjee who passed away at 84 after a brief illness was one of the most successful politicians with a long innings. He made his mark as an astute, shrewd and knowledgeable politician with moderate temperament. Even at this age he walked 7 kms and maintained diary, which was his characteristic and admirable trait.
Elected to RS for five terms and one term to the Lok Sabha,he was never a mass leader and was not a mascot in Bengal politics. He had his disagreements, difference of opinions but never openly clashed with Bengal politics. He climbed the ladder of political success, with his legendary knowledge of constitution, organization skills and policy making.
After assassination of Indira Gandhi he fell out with Rajiv Gandhi for his veiled ambition to be the PM. In his memoirs he mentions that his lack of knowledge of Hindi and being one time member of LS was a hindrance to his ambitions.
Hence he was a PM in the waiting. He was conferred with the Bharat Ratna by the BJP govt much to discomfiture of Congress.
