Lok Sabha bypolls in 1981 was crucial for two reason for erstwhile prime minister Indira Gandhi; First, It was an ideal ground to estimate people's reaction about her as it was the first election after she was re-elected a year ago, and second, this by-poll was to ascertain the fate of her political heir. Rajiv Gandhi was that heir who stepped in to contest from Amethi.
News agency AP's documentary starts with the victory of Rajiv Gandhi in the Amethi LS bypoll. This 12 minute-long-video has been released on You Tube on Friday that gives you rare glimpses of Indira, Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi. You might struggle with the voiceover in the video at some places, but despite that it's worth a watch.
In the beginning of the documentary Rajiv Gandhi is seen being greeted by the people after his victory in Amethi. In 1980, it was his brother Sanjay Gandhi who people had elected and it was clear as water by then that Sanjay would carry on the legacy of Indira Gandhi. At that point of time Rajiv Gandhi, a professional pilot, had focused more on his family than politics. But things changed suddenly following the untimely death of Sanjay Gandhi in an air crash on June 23, 1980 after which Rajiv had to step in.
This documentary also shows scenes of Sanjay Gandhi campaigning in Amethi. Sanjay was not only considered a natural successor of Indira but also the most trusted associate as well as advisor. Sanjay's funeral procession and his last rituals are also a part of this video that also shows controversial guru Dheerendra Brahmchari, known to be very close to the Gandhi family.
If you continue to watch the video, you will find Indira Gandhi campaigning for her son Rajiv. There is a small interview of Rajiv Gandhi in this video where he tells the interviewer his three main priorities for Amethi; road, irrigation and reclaiming wasteland.
And before the video ends, you will also find a young Mulayam Singh Yadav delivering a furious speech from Amethi that didn't really help him.
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