Book Review

BOOK REVIEW: THE POLITICIAN
Devesh Verma crafts a compelling narrative centered on a flawed protagonist’s relentless pursuit
of power. Ram Mohan, an academic from the Kurmi caste, seeks political mastery with a
Machiavellian mindset, driven by a deep craving for dominance. Despite facing electoral defeats
and setbacks in his political career, he ultimately secures a position in the State Public Service
Commission, underscoring the divisive and violent nature of unyielding ambition rooted in caste
and political allegiances. While Ram Mohan’s life story evokes neither inspiration nor disgust,
his portrayal as intolerant, self-righteous, and tyrannical enriches the narrative. The narrator,
Kartik Verma, a journalist and friend of Ram Mohan’s son Deena, sheds light on Deena’s tragic
fate, reminiscent of Kafka’s themes of paternal oppression leading to unbearable suffering.
Before taking his own life, Deena entrusts Kartik with evidence revealing his father’s
debauchery and cruelty as catalysts for his despair.
The novel paints a picture of a world plagued by political strife and corruption, where the pursuit
of power jeopardizes one’s moral integrity. Ram Mohan’s actions serve as a cautionary tale,
highlighting the soul-depleting consequences of wielding power. Amidst discussions of political
agendas and activism, caste consciousness looms large. While Ram Mohan prioritizes his caste
identity for personal gain, he fails to advocate for his caste’s empowerment or the liberation of
marginalized ethnic groups coerced into bloc voting.
In contrast to conventional political narratives of unethical ascents to power, “The Politician”
offers a poignant account of a pretentious academic’s modest successes and numerous failures in
the political arena, emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge. Through nuanced
storytelling, the author juxtaposes Ram Mohan’s character with that of his son Deena, evoking a
spectrum of emotions from awe to abhorrence. Deena’s story exposes the human struggle to
navigate a hostile world and serves as a poignant counterpoint to his father’s power-hungry
demeanour, underscoring the profound emotional toll inflicted by Ram Mohan.
NEHRUVIAN ERA
The novel aims to revisit the Nehruvian era by focusing on India’s conflicts with China and
Pakistan, the solidification of caste and religious identities, language disputes, policy
implementations, bureaucratic struggles, and communal tensions during the initial three decades
post-independence. Set in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Kanpur and its surroundings, the story
delves into the region once considered the political epicentre of India. Through Ram Mohan’s
narrative, the evolving dynamics of caste, political affiliations, and the obstinate mind-set of the
emerging middle class are vividly portrayed. As the most educated individual in his community,
Ram Mohan combines eloquence with a readiness for violence, asserting his mastery over both
arms and argumentation. He contends that blending literature with politics offers an ideal
combination, believing that political power distinguishes a man of letters in literary circles, while
literary and linguistic prowess sets him apart from fellow politicians.
The novel commences with news of Deena’s suicide, sparking a reflective discussion on the
complexities surrounding death. Ram Mohan’s encounter with his political opponent, Padhaiya
Bhaiya, exemplifies the dark humour interwoven with death-related themes. Despite
orchestrating a ruthless assault on his adversary, Ram Mohan casually visits Padhaiya Bhaiya’s
home, offering money to his children and engaging in conversation with them. The opening
chapter featuring Deena foreshadows subsequent events, as Ram Mohan gifts him a new pen,
symbolizing a call to become a thinker and a rebel. Deena indeed emerges as a radical writer and
astute observer of human relationships. His perspective on death, viewing it as a natural and
inconsequential occurrence within life’s broader flow, underscores his willingness to succumb to
emotional turmoil and contemplate suicide.
CASTE POLITICS
The novel explores how caste dynamics influence India’s democracy, portraying how Chaudhary
Baran Singh strategically utilizes caste affiliations to corner the faction-ridden Congress party. It
sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of social cohesion within the caste-based social
structure, as individuals from diverse backgrounds in Parsadpur unite to support a Kurmi
politician, despite the caste’s limited presence in the region. Devesh Verma scrutinizes a range of
fictional political leaders in Uttar Pradesh, examining their strategies and relationships with
central figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Indira Gandhi. Though thinly
veiled, these characters aren’t intended as accurate depictions of reality, and their ideologies and
rivalries shouldn’t be judged solely through historical evidence.
The novel serves as a cautionary tale of a highly politicized world where political leaders
prioritize personal pursuits over virtues like humility and care. The characters, while complex
and compelling, lack fully developed female representations, with fleeting appearances of
characters like Kanti, Sughari, Gayatri, and Malti. Devesh Verma delves into the layers of Ram
Mohan’s personality, depicting his pursuit of knowledge, carnality, and political authority. Ram
Mohan’s morally questionable actions, including sexual assault and familial discord leading to
tragic consequences like Deena’s suicide and Nishant’s descent into criminality, provide incisive
commentary on national and international issues.
Kartik Verma’s narration, shaped by Deena’s suicide note and diaries, adds a cerebral dimension
to the novel, challenging readers with Deena’s classification of unethical and wicked acts. The
reconstruction of Ram Mohan’s story serves as a satirical commentary on political ambition and
its consequences, contrasting his public espousal of democracy with his tyrannical family life.
Despite highlighting the ruthlessness bred by political ambition, the novel acknowledges
conciliatory efforts by politicians like Sansadji, Chaudhary Baran Singh, Dixitji, and Ram
Mohan, offering a glimpse of hope for a better future amidst the harsh realities of politics.
Through its political discourse, the novel aims to foster a deeper understanding of the
contemporary political landscape and the emotional responses rooted in religious and cultural
consciousness.
Ultimately, “The Politician” captivates not only for its political narrative but also for its
humanized portrayal of political realism, urging readers to view politics through a lens of human
solidarity rather than emotional fervour. Devesh Verma’s stance aligns with advocating for
human connection and empathy in the political sphere.

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BOOK REVIEW: THE POLITICIAN

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