'He was a problem solver'

Rajagopal and Javadekar share their memories of Pramod Mahajan:

O Rajagopal:

When the tragic incident took place, I was campaigning for the election in Kerala [ Images ] in my constituency in Palakkad.

Pramod was like my brother and son. We have been good friends. I last spoke with him some three weeks ago. I wanted Pramod to come to Kerala to campaign for the BJP here. He was then busy campaigning in Assam.

When I insisted he should come to campaign in Kerala, his reply was: "Rajagopalji, you will win this time, and the BJP will open its account in the state."

I have rare memories of my meetings with him while I was a minister in Delhi [ Images ]. His biggest asset was that he listened to you. He was sharp and he always gave instant answers to every problem. I think the biggest strength of a great politician is to resolve a problem at short notice. He was a problem solver.

He was a politician with courage, commitment and a modern outlook.

In Pramod's death, India [ Images ] has lost a bright politician and the BJP has lost a great leader.

Prakash Javadekar:

Pramodji's death is the biggest shock in my life. I have never felt such a void in my life. It is not just me, hundreds and thousands of party workers have lost their dear leader.

For me, Pramodji was not just a leader and companion. He was a great friend with whom I could frankly talk about anything. My last assignment with him was to organise the BJP's poll campaign in Assam. I was in Assam for many days in March. Pramodji came to Assam and had a very hectic campaign across the state. I was with him most days. Often, whenever I heard him, I was amazed by his impressive speeches.

I will never hear him now.

O Rajagopal and Prakash Javadekar spoke to George Iype over the telephone.