Amitabh Bachchan, primarily known for his contributions to Indian cinema, also had a brief but controversial stint in politics. His entry into politics and subsequent controversies were marked by a mix of personal connections, political challenges, and public scrutiny. Here’s a detailed look at Amitabh Bachchan’s political journey and controversies:
1. Entry into Politics (1984)
- Amitabh Bachchan entered politics in 1984 during one of India’s most politically charged periods. His decision to join the Indian National Congress (INC) came in the wake of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
- His close personal friendship with Rajiv Gandhi, Indira’s son and successor, was seen as the major driving factor behind his entry into the political arena.
- Bachchan contested the Lok Sabha elections from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, and won by a massive margin. His victory was seen as a reflection of his immense popularity as a film star.
2. Short-lived Political Career
- Despite his landslide victory, Amitabh’s political career was short-lived. He served as a Member of Parliament for only three years, from 1984 to 1987.
- His experience in politics was far from smooth. He reportedly found the political environment overwhelming and full of dirty politics, calling it a “cesspool” after his resignation.
- The reasons for his exit were largely attributed to his disenchantment with the political world and personal disillusionment. He later admitted that entering politics had been a mistake and that he did not have the temperament for it.
3. Bofors Scandal and Allegations of Corruption
- One of the biggest controversies linked to Amitabh Bachchan’s political career was his alleged involvement in the Bofors Scandal.
- The Bofors Scandal revolved around allegations of kickbacks paid in the 1986 $1.4 billion deal between India and Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors for the supply of Howitzer guns.
- Although Bachchan was never directly involved in defense dealings, his name surfaced due to his close proximity to Rajiv Gandhi, who was the Prime Minister at the time.
- Both Amitabh and his brother Ajitabh were accused of being intermediaries in the deal. However, Amitabh vehemently denied the allegations, stating that he was falsely implicated. His name was later cleared by Swedish investigators and the Indian government.
- Despite his exoneration, the scandal left a significant mark on his public image and political legacy, contributing to his decision to remain distant from politics thereafter.
4. Friendship with the Gandhi Family
- Amitabh Bachchan’s close relationship with the Gandhi family, particularly with Rajiv Gandhi, has often been scrutinized in political circles.
- His political foray was largely seen as a move influenced by this personal friendship. During his tenure as an MP, he was perceived to be a trusted confidant of Rajiv Gandhi.
- However, after resigning from politics and the fallout from the Bofors controversy, Amitabh’s relationship with the Gandhi family reportedly soured.
- Over time, Bachchan distanced himself from active political engagements, although he has occasionally been seen interacting with political figures, sparking rumors about his political inclinations.
5. Resignation and Disillusionment
- After three years in office, Amitabh Bachchan resigned from Parliament in 1987. He cited personal reasons and dissatisfaction with the political system as the primary motivations for his exit.
- He described his time in politics as “nightmarish” and acknowledged that he felt uncomfortable navigating the political landscape, which he felt was tainted by corruption and power struggles.
- His departure from politics also coincided with his legal troubles related to the Bofors scandal, though he maintained that the two were not connected.
6. Post-Political Life and Image Management
- Following his resignation, Amitabh focused entirely on reviving his film career, which had hit a rough patch during his time in politics.
- Despite his short-lived political career and controversies, Bachchan has successfully rebuilt his public image over the years. His comeback as a superstar in the late 1990s with films like Mohabbatein and the television show Kaun Banega Crorepati (India’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?) helped restore his status as a beloved figure.
- Though he stayed away from active politics, Amitabh remained politically aware and cautious about his public statements, often deflecting political questions in interviews.
7. Allegations of Political Influence
- Even after leaving politics, Bachchan has occasionally been accused of using his influence to gain favor in business and personal dealings.
- Some critics have suggested that his brief political career helped him establish long-term relationships with powerful figures, which may have contributed to his subsequent success, particularly in reviving his fortunes after his financial troubles in the late 1990s with his company Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd. (ABCL).
Conclusion
Amitabh Bachchan’s political career, though brief, was marked by significant controversies, most notably the Bofors scandal. His close association with the Gandhi family and his eventual disillusionment with the political system added to the complexities of his political stint. While he has since distanced himself from politics, the controversies of that period remain an intriguing chapter in the life of one of India’s greatest actors.
Despite the challenges and controversies, Amitabh Bachchan’s legacy has largely remained untarnished, and his contributions to Indian cinema continue to overshadow the political controversies that briefly engulfed him.
