BJP MP Lekhi turns author with new book

New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) Vocal BJP MP from Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi has turned author with her first book titled 'The New Delhi Conspiracy'.

Though she insists the book is a work of imagination, she accepts many events in real life may have had an influence while she sat down to write it.

Released in a packed auditorium by BJP Working President J.P. Nadda, the book talks about conspiracies that are hatched in Lutyens' Delhi.

"I have seen the corridors of power from very close proximity. Many things I visualised while writing the book. Many changes are happening today. As an observer you do see things. You know, how the 'award-wapsi' gang came or how few academically sound personalities chose to go astray and create a narrative that is anti-India.

"In their narrative they often forgot where does the interest of India lie. It was so closed that there was no space available for a counter narrative. It was like a situation akin to post-truth. So you will see some of those (things getting reflected in the book)," revealed Lekhi while clutching a copy of her newly-released book.

She insists, the book talks at a deep philosophical level and how both good and evil exist in the same mind and one can take over the other.

But when she talks of narratives and anti-India brigade, does she also refer to some of the shrill voices of opposition after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution?

She denies this while saying, "This book was written before Article 370 was axed. But what kind of thoughts were existing in various kind of narratives in society in Delhi has been talked about."

The book comes out at a very interesting time when former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has been arrested by the CBI for his alleged involvement in the INX Media deal. The CBI has alleged a conspiracy was hatched by him where bribe was paid to his son Karti. Does this uncanny similarity amuse the author?

"New Delhi is the center of power and corridors of power lead to conspiracies. Some conspiracies are acted out and some are not. It (INX Media deal) was a conspiracy to cheat the exchequer which was acted out. Conspiracies are not about catching the person (alone). I mean anyone who has done wrong must be taken care of by the law. But conspiracy is to hide the truth, it is to cheat, to find ways and means to take out money. All that happened in that particular case (INX Media deal) is my assertion," said the politician-turned-author.

In between signing fresh copies, taking selfies with party cadres who jostled around her the obvious political question was popped. Since, Lekhi very passionately spoke on "conspiracy to malign", how does the politician in her absorb the fact that many Congress leaders have come out in the last 24 hours and accepted that maligning Prime Minister Narendra Modi outrightly has been counter productive?

Lekhi stops signing books, turns around and smiles. "I love it, I like it! Whatever may have been the cause, I like it and appreciate this!" she exclaims.

"There's a saying in Hindi that says, "Der aye, par durust aye (better late than never). There's a line in a bhajan that Mahatma Gadhi was very fond of - "Ishwar, Allah tero naam, sabko sammati de Bhagwan". I wish wisdom prevails," says she.

She may have turned an author today but her politician self overshadows it every time she spots a question that appeals to her natural calling - politics.