As Prime Minister for a short duration, his statesmanship was well in play. He was very close to finding long-lasting solutions for three of our most important problems—Kashmir, Ayodhya and Punjab. He went to Mali to attend the SAARC conference and cultivated such a personal rapport with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawas Sharif that it became useful in a moment of crisis. A true statesman, he understood the problems of the nation and knew the solutions. If Chandra Shekharji had got more time as the country’s Premier, we would have been on a different track altogether.

(As told to Varghese K George)

Cremation today

NEW DELHI: Mortal remains of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar will be consigned to flames here on Monday. The cremation with full state honours will take place at the banks of Yamuna at 4 p.m. The decision came during a special meeting of the Union Cabinet, which condoled his death, describing him as a man of the people and a secular nationalist. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan SIngh decided on a seven-day state mourning for the veteran Socialist leader. All Central Government offices in the Capital will remain closed after 1.30 p.m. on Monday to enable employees to participate in the cremation.