The Presidential Years: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of The Presidential Years, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
From politics to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Mukherjee describes leaving active politics after decades as a minister to become President in 2012.
He had to step back from party loyalties and act as the neutral head of state.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
The President guards the Constitution
He explains that the President usually acts on the advice of the government but must still ensure rules are followed.
Mukherjee saw his role as quietly advising, warning and encouraging rather than confronting.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
He worked with two governments
Mukherjee served first with the Manmohan Singh government for two years and then with Narendra Modi's.
He describes a cordial working relationship with Modi despite their different parties and political views.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Mercy petitions were weighty decisions
He describes deciding on mercy petitions of people sentenced to death.
Mukherjee writes that he studied the files and examined each case carefully and accepted the heavy responsibility of the final decision.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Ordinances should be used sparingly
Mukherjee writes that governments should not use ordinances to bypass Parliament except when truly necessary.
He describes advising the government to prefer open debate and proper lawmaking through Parliament wherever possible.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Demonetisation surprised him
He describes how the government's 2016 decision to cancel high-value currency notes was announced.
Mukherjee notes the hardship it caused, while recording that the government took the decision within its powers.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
The Congress lost its way
Mukherjee reflects that the Congress defeat in 2014 came partly from weak leadership and loss of focus after he left active politics.
He writes frankly about mistakes made by his own former party.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Parliament must function well
He worries about the frequent disruptions in Parliament that stop real debate.
Mukherjee argues that discussion, disagreement and dissent inside Parliament are the lifeblood of a healthy democracy like India's.
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