Narayan Dutt Tiwari Story: Politics keeps moving forward taking with it the past, present and future. Stories of politics become examples for the new generation. The name of former Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari is taken with respect in the 'windows of memories' of politics. The confluence city Prayagraj, which was earlier known as Allahabad, still remains active in cherishing the memories of its talents. Senior journalist Ratibhan Tripathi also has a deep connection with this city. When he looks back at his journalistic memoirs, one prominent name that comes up is that of former Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari. Senior journalist Ratibhan Tripathi fills with excitement as he shares a memory from thirty years ago.
Read :- Big action in UP voter list irregularities case, FIR registered against two SDMs in Pilibhit
Today is 18th October. Today is Narayan Dutt Tiwari's birthday. A word that has become popular among the leaders of Uttar Pradesh is 'Vikas Purush'. Whoever becomes the Chief Minister, his supporters do not hesitate to call him a development man, but in true sense, Narayan Dutt Tiwari is considered the first 'development man' of Uttar Pradesh. I have many memories about Tiwari ji but I remember an incident from thirty years ago, when I had my first personal meeting with him and I interviewed him.
This is from 1995. There was turmoil going on in Congress. Tiwari ji was angry due to the uproar. He separated and took along many leaders including Arjun Singh and formed his own separate Congress party. All the old Congressmen had joined him. He started traveling to strengthen his party. Then Allahabad was a pilgrimage site for Congressmen. Tiwari ji had come to Allahabad on his journey.
I received a call from freedom fighter, former minister and senior journalist PD Tandon ji, who was very close and well-wisher of Tiwari ji. I was a reporter in Dainik Jagran in those days. Tandon ji said, ND is coming to my house. You can interview him if you want, but come alone. I said, Sir, I will definitely bring the photographer, or not that too. Said- Bring a photographer.
Tandon ji was a very punctual person. Whatever time he gave, if you are even a little late then just accept that you will have to return. I had heard the story from Mark Tully, so the timing was perfect. Photographer Sharad Malviya was with me.
Read :- UP School Closed: All schools up to 12th will remain closed tomorrow in this district of UP, order issued
ND Tiwari reached his place exactly at the time told by PD Tandon ji. His convoy and all the trappings are outside. All the leaders and workers were stopped outside Tandon ji's door. This was ND Tiwari's personal meeting with PD Tandon.
Apart from Tandon ji's family, if any third person was there then only me. Sharad was given only photo opportunity. Tandon ji introduced me to Tiwari ji. I was young. Tiwari ji seemed very happy with whatever praise he gave me in his own words.
I asked Tiwari ji questions about the political situation at that time. Ask questions about his party formation and journey as per your intelligence. Tiwari ji is an experienced and prompt leader. Rich with unmatched personality. His answers were such that questions kept coming out of him. Well, Tandon ji asked about relations and the memories of Tiwari ji started flowing.
ND Tiwari became very emotional. Tiwari ji's words started flowing in waves towards PD Tandon. He said- This is my temple, this is my god. I had come from the mountain. With a lute in the bag. It was he who got me a room in Anand Bhawan. He helped me so much that I have no words for it. What I am today, where I am, would not have been possible without their help.
The convoy of memories of Tiwari ji probably would not have stopped, if Tandon ji had not stopped him by saying that you have praised me a lot, now have tea. And let them go because it is evening time. They have to write news. And they will have to write your interview also.
Read :- Audi ran like death on the road! Car hits bike, runs over youth, name of car linked to former BJP district president
Tiwari ji came to Allahabad many times after that. When he came here, he also used to visit the house of senior leader Sunit Vyas. Also met ND Tiwari in Haridwar and Lucknow. Whenever I met him, he used to ask about PD Tandon.
(Senior journalist Ratibhan Tripathi)
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist)
(In the photo, senior journalist Ratibhan Tripathi is on the left, ND Tiwari in the middle and PD Tandon on the right)
Photo credit: Sharad Malviya, senior photojournalist.