MJ Akbar's debut as a minister caps a remarkable political turnaround for the journalist and author who made a dashing foray into politics as a Congress MP in 1989, thanks to his proximity to the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, before a long spell in wilderness.
65-year-old Akbar, who was recently elected to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, is seen as an articulate and modern Muslim voice in BJP who can also be trusted to defend it at times on the strident Hindutva pitch with his eloquent evocation of Modi's developmental agenda.
A party spokesperson, he has often spoken on the government's foreign policies.
An eminent editor and author of several well-received books, including a biography of Jawaharlal Nehru, he debuted in politics in 80s as he came close to the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and wielded considerable influence.
He contested Lok Sabha election in 1989 from Kishanganj in Bihar and won but Congress lost badly.
He drifted apart from the party after Gandhi's death in 1991 and he soon returned to full time journalism.
Though he was critical of PM Modi, the then Gujarat Chief Minister, following 2002 riots, he gradually came closer to the saffron party as he assailed the Gandhi family over its leadership of Congress.
BJP expects that Akbar will provide it what the party has often lacked -- an eloquent English-speaking Muslim voice.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
65-year-old Akbar, who was recently elected to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, is seen as an articulate and modern Muslim voice in BJP who can also be trusted to defend it at times on the strident Hindutva pitch with his eloquent evocation of Modi's developmental agenda.
A party spokesperson, he has often spoken on the government's foreign policies.
He contested Lok Sabha election in 1989 from Kishanganj in Bihar and won but Congress lost badly.
Advertisement
Though he was critical of PM Modi, the then Gujarat Chief Minister, following 2002 riots, he gradually came closer to the saffron party as he assailed the Gandhi family over its leadership of Congress.
Advertisement
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Revanth Reddy Unveils Rajiv Gandhi's Statue, Dares KCR's Party To Touch It 'Opposition Offered To Back Me For PM, But I Asked...': Nitin Gadkari "Rajiv Gandhi Dubbed Those Who Got Reservation As Fools": PM Slams Congress 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel 'Pager Bombs' Target Hezbollah In Lebanon. What We Know So Far - 5 Points IndiGo Flight Tailstrike Leaves Huge Dent During Take-Off From Delhi Airport Air India To Give $400 Million Makeover To Over Half Of Its Fleet Nitin Gadkari Hints At Next Big Idea For Road Building In Monsoons US Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs Charged With Racketeering, Sex Trafficking Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.