Charan Singh and the Congress

To write about any politician is to play with fire. But Paul R Brass, an eminent political scientist, does so deftly. He shows us the life and times of Charan Singh, the well-known agrarian leader, who went on to become the chief minister of the most populous state of the country. The times were turbulent.

Brass, in his work, does not sing hosannas for Charan Singh. He holds the politician in high esteem, but does not lose sight of his flaws. The armour, no matter how strong, has chinks too. The maturity and objectivity come easily to Brass, who has published several books and has authored numerous articles on comparative and south Asian politics, ethnic politics, and collective violence. His work has been based on extensive field research in India during his many visits since 1961.