Craft of Politics: Power for Patronage

Power, patronage and privilege have been amongst the defining traits of the Governance system and the polity of India since Independence. This book offers a peep into the interplay of different players in the processes, structures and institutions of governance, as seen from the perspective of an insider who had been an integral part of the system for almost 37 years. Craft of Politics is divided into 7 sections. Each section is a vantage point for the reader in terms of time-frame and operating levels, offering a view and an insight into the system in operation. The author has largely taken a value neutral stance and positioned himself more as a protagonist than a participant in most parts of the narrative. The author has been a part of the system for a major period of the second half of the last century, which also saw some transformational developments in the economy and polity of the country and was placed in key positions at different levels in the government during these times. The text of the book is light and relaxing aimed at making the entire experience of reading the book as pleasing and enjoyable as possible, with the content laced with tongue-in-cheek humour at places. This book is useful for the political class, policy makers, administrators, students of public administration and the general reader alike. …