Congress Veteran Mohsina Kidwai: A Political Journey Forged by Nehru and the Gandhis
In the annals of Indian political history, few figures embody the enduring spirit of the Congress party like Mohsina Kidwai. Her remarkable career, spanning over six decades, was not just a personal journey but a testament to loyalty, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to public service. From a chance meeting with Jawaharlal Nehru to becoming a trusted confidante of the Gandhi family, Kidwai's story is one of dedication that shaped Uttar Pradesh politics.
The Nehru Connection: A Political Debut Inspired
Mohsina Kidwai's entry into politics was orchestrated by none other than India's first Prime Minister. In February 1954, as a newlywed, she accompanied her father-in-law, the prominent Congress leader Jameel-ur-Rehman Kidwai, to meet Jawaharlal Nehru. While blessing the young woman, Nehru posed a pivotal question to Jameel: "When are you introducing her to the political world?" This seemingly casual inquiry set the stage for her political debut in 1960, launching a journey that would endure for more than sixty years.
Indira Gandhi's Trusted Aide and UP Congress Chief
Kidwai first met Indira Gandhi while waiting to see Nehru in 1954, a serendipitous encounter that blossomed into a lifelong bond transcending mere politics. By 1976, she had become a close confidante of the then Prime Minister, who appointed her as the chief of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. The appointment came during a pivotal moment. After a meeting in Mathura, then UP Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari informed Kidwai of her new role while en route to Delhi to meet Indira Gandhi. "I have full confidence in you.... So go and start your work," Indira told a nervous Kidwai, cementing a relationship built on mutual respect and trust.
Sacrifice and Leadership: Funding Campaigns and Securing Headquarters
Mohsina Kidwai's leadership was marked by extraordinary personal sacrifice. When the UP assembly was dissolved and fresh elections were announced in June 1977, she faced a significant challenge: paucity of funds. Undeterred, Kidwai broke her fixed deposit of Rs 90,000 to support Congress candidates, a move that contributed to the party winning 48 seats in that election.
Her resourcefulness extended to securing a permanent home for the UP Congress. After a faction locked the party office in Lucknow, Kidwai had anticipated the move and relocated valuable assets to her official residence, turning it into a temporary office. Learning of a house auction at 10, Mall Avenue, she decided to purchase it for the party instead of herself. The auction price was Rs 2.25 lakh, a substantial sum at the time. Despite using her savings and her husband's, funds fell short.
Kidwai then launched a public appeal through newspapers, asking party workers to contribute. The response was overwhelming, with donations coming in coins, Rs 10 notes, and larger amounts. This collective effort established 10, Mall Avenue as the UPCC headquarters, a status it retains to this day. Notably, Kidwai had given blank signed papers to Indira Gandhi to transfer the property to the party, though it remained in her name until recently, symbolizing the mutual respect she shared with the Congress.
Electoral Triumphs and Historic Moments
Kidwai's political acumen was evident in her electoral successes. Congress MP Pramod Tewari, who witnessed her career from its inception, highlighted her iron will. She won elections in Barabanki and Meerut, but her most notable victory came in the 1978 Azamgarh bypoll, where she triumphed despite a strong anti-Indira Gandhi wave that saw Congress lose many key seats. This victory is credited with paving the way for the party's return in 1980.
Her role extended beyond elections to historic moments. In an interview, Kidwai recalled attending the funeral of Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. As a Union Cabinet minister, she was at the airport to see him off when he noticed her. The aircraft door was reopened, and she joined the delegation, leveraging her knowledge of Muslim funeral rituals during the massive gathering.
Legacy and Advice to Future Generations
In 2019, when Priyanka Gandhi Vadra became the party's state in-charge for UP, Kidwai was among the leaders convened. MLA Aradhana Mishra recalled Kidwai emphasizing the power of Congress principles nurtured since the freedom movement, urging that the present generation be educated about party ideology. Rasheed Kidwai, co-author of her autobiography, cited her belief: "If Congress goes back to basics, its revival is very much possible." In an obituary, he noted that the party should have heeded her wisdom.
Former PM Manmohan Singh described her as an 'inspirational figure', while Sonia Gandhi hailed her as 'a leader of exceptional ability, dedication, dignity and warmth.' Mohsina Kidwai's legacy is one of unwavering commitment, from breaking FDs for campaigns to crowd-funding a party headquarters, leaving an indelible mark on Indian politics.
