Agni Divya, the “bare it all” autobiography of Janata Dal (Secular) national president H.D. Deve Gowda, is finally set to hit the stands before February 25. The 400-page volume, coming just before elections, is expected to create ripples in political circles.
According to Mr. Deve Gowda’s own admission, his autobiography details his comments on some of the most controversial decisions taken by the party, including that of his son and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s decision to head the coalition government, first with Congress and later with the BJP. The book covers the eight decades of his life, from childhood to the 2013 Assembly polls.
The volume, earlier slated for a November 2017 release, has been recorded by his daughter Shylaja Chandrashekar, and his trusted lieutenant Y.S.V. Datta, MLA.
Mr. Datta says the idea of writing the autobiography first came to the leader when he was admitted to the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research for treatment.
While Ms. Shylaja has recorded events from his childhood to his entry into public life, Mr. Datta has narrated his political life, which begins from Mr. Deve Gowda becoming president of Anjaneya Cooperative Society of Holenarasipur and later as member of the Taluk Development Board of Holenarasipur.
Agni Divya delineates his idealogical differences with Nijalingappa, Ramakrishna Hegde [former Chief Ministers]; the “trauma” he went through when his son decided to join hands with the BJP; among others, says Mr. Datta, promising that the book will be of special interest to those who track the ups and downs of politics.
“His life is full of struggles. In a way, it’s a trial by fire (‘agni divya’),” says Mr. Datta. “Knowing well that some of the incidents might create ripples, we are providing an annexure, letters, and notes to support facts narrated by him.” The volume has a rare photo album.
The English translation of the book will follow soon.
