Who Stands by George?

Open’s report on Leila Kabir and Jaya Jaitly’s battles prompted strong and contradictory responses from both women

Each of us views the world from our individual perspectives. However, I do not share your slant on George Fernandes’ current situation. There is no battle for anything. Making a pretence of what IS NOT, is a mockery of truth. There is no sparring for any ‘legacy’ from my side.

I have known him since 1967, and today, looking at this stooping giant, I simply resist any unprincipled efforts to misrepresent him. It is a question of ethics. You have brought that out well in your article. George is not writing anything. To attribute his penmanship to anything at all today is a travesty of truth. Efforts to create misunderstandings between George and the JD-U will come to naught, as Sharad Yadav, Nitish Kumar and others are well aware of George’s health profile.

Best,

I have just seen the 28 August issue of your magazine, which I am told came out some days ago. Apropos your story titled ‘Cloak and Swagger’ I wish to make some points:
Your story refers to the ‘political legacy’ of veteran socialist leader George Fernandes and the supposed fight and intrigue going on for it.

First of all, a political or ideological ‘legacy’ is not a piece of meat to be fought over. It is an unrationed free-for-all of ideas, ideologies and actions that inspire hundreds of thousands of men and women across the country, and even outside India. Legacies of the kind you refer to are probably suited to dynasties, to which true socialists are fiercely opposed. I have already imbibed a rich political legacy combining the life’s work of many great socialists. There is no other legacy that I seek.

Also, I made an independent decision to remain out of party politics five years ago and continue to do so. A committed socialist activist never feels isolation. For the past 27 years, I have loyally accepted every political decision taken by George Sahib and am one, among thousands of others, who have stood by him through thick and thin in all his political activities.

I have cordial associations with all those who are part of the erstwhile Samata Party, and the present JD-U, that go back to 1983.  I have no personal ill feelings regarding Shri Nitish Kumar and welcome all actions that keep socialists united. I have also always extended respectful and friendly behaviour towards Mrs Fernandes, as is expected towards families of all political persons.

All the statements regarding the journal named The Other Side, are factually wrong. There are enough witnesses and evidence to prove that the contents of each issue are presented to George Sahib for his knowledge and approval. For the ‘Pen of George Fernandes’ section, the subject matter of his preference is discussed, a draft is prepared, corrected as per his wishes, and the final draft is also printed only after he approves. Those who have told you otherwise are misinformed and insulting a great person like George Sahib by saying he cannot fathom what is being written.

Regarding the published comments referred to in the concerned column, no offence was meant, and none taken, that have come to the notice of the journal. In fact, George Sahib’s piece has been widely appreciated and publicised on the Internet quoting his commitment to serve the people through the Rajya Sabha.

Finally, you refer to me as a long-time ‘companion’ of George Fernandes. Perhaps this is your way of insulting women in public life. I would like to inform you that on the use of this very terminology, apart from some other issues, a defamation case by me against Tehelka.com has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India and is currently going on.

While you may like to create sensational stories to sell your new magazine, I trust you will adhere to expected norms of journalism by printing my letter, along with an apology from you, prominently in your next issue.

Yours truly,

About The Author

arindam