In his eventful life of 103 years so far, Giriraj Prasad Tiwari has never seen what he calls the “degradation of politics” in present times. The centenarian, a former Speaker of Rajasthan Assembly who was also the first MLA to be elected on a Congress ticket in Bharatpur in 1985, calls today’s politics ‘aapneeti’-politicians working to protect themselves and ruthlessly pushing their competitors out.
“Politicians these days are full of aspirations and egos, which may be helping them win elections, but they are no longer good leaders. Their aim is to safeguard own rights and interests,” said Tiwari to TOI in an interview at his home on Sewar Road.
A law graduate who first served as an MLA from Bayana constituency of Bharatpur from 1972 to 1977, Tiwari believes politicians today are no longer friends across party lines. Despite being in Congress, he said he shared excellent relations with former CM Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who later became Vice-President of India.
“Once we (Tiwari and Shekhawat) had an intense argument in the Assembly, but after the House was adjourned, he brought me a paan (betel leaf)”, he recalled.
He still has strong bonding with Shekhawat’s family. “His granddaughter got married recently, and the family invited me to the wedding. I could not attend the wedding because of my age and health issues, but the girl later visited me for my blessings,” added Tiwari. Commenting on the state of politics at the Centre and in Rajasthan today, he said, “This is not ‘rajneeti,’ this is ‘aapneeti’. It is not good for a democracy.”
“Unlike today, Nehruji used to ensure Atalji and other opponents win elections so that there is a constructive opposition,” he added.
Speaking about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tiwari said, “Had it been somebody else he would have committed suicide. He is at least facing everything with a smile.”
Tiwari quit active politics when he was 70 because he hated the “twists and turns” he experienced. “I met my Guruji sometime around 1989, and he told me that politics is no longer a good thing. That day I decided to quit politics. I told my friend Bhairon Singh Shekhawat that I am not going to contest elections again. He thought I was joking and was keen on placing a bet. I told him politely that I cannot sustain in politics because of the twists and turns it involves,” added Tiwari.
Despite the many examples of degradation of politics and decline of values in public life that he notices, Tiwari is optimistic and believes things will begin to change for the better after a saturation point comes some years down the line.
What advice would the 103-year-old offer today’s politicians? “Reach out to the people. Keep meeting them, have lunch or dinner with them and spend time getting to know their issues and problems,” he said.
“Politicians these days are full of aspirations and egos, which may be helping them win elections, but they are no longer good leaders. Their aim is to safeguard own rights and interests,” said Tiwari to TOI in an interview at his home on Sewar Road.
A law graduate who first served as an MLA from Bayana constituency of Bharatpur from 1972 to 1977, Tiwari believes politicians today are no longer friends across party lines. Despite being in Congress, he said he shared excellent relations with former CM Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who later became Vice-President of India.
“Once we (Tiwari and Shekhawat) had an intense argument in the Assembly, but after the House was adjourned, he brought me a paan (betel leaf)”, he recalled.
He still has strong bonding with Shekhawat’s family. “His granddaughter got married recently, and the family invited me to the wedding. I could not attend the wedding because of my age and health issues, but the girl later visited me for my blessings,” added Tiwari. Commenting on the state of politics at the Centre and in Rajasthan today, he said, “This is not ‘rajneeti,’ this is ‘aapneeti’. It is not good for a democracy.”
“Unlike today, Nehruji used to ensure Atalji and other opponents win elections so that there is a constructive opposition,” he added.
Speaking about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tiwari said, “Had it been somebody else he would have committed suicide. He is at least facing everything with a smile.”
Tiwari quit active politics when he was 70 because he hated the “twists and turns” he experienced. “I met my Guruji sometime around 1989, and he told me that politics is no longer a good thing. That day I decided to quit politics. I told my friend Bhairon Singh Shekhawat that I am not going to contest elections again. He thought I was joking and was keen on placing a bet. I told him politely that I cannot sustain in politics because of the twists and turns it involves,” added Tiwari.
Despite the many examples of degradation of politics and decline of values in public life that he notices, Tiwari is optimistic and believes things will begin to change for the better after a saturation point comes some years down the line.
What advice would the 103-year-old offer today’s politicians? “Reach out to the people. Keep meeting them, have lunch or dinner with them and spend time getting to know their issues and problems,” he said.
