New Delhi: Senior political journalist Sudhanshu Patro’s latest book Gandhi Lautenge was launched at a well-attended event at the Constitution Club of India here last evening, drawing politicians, journalists, and public intellectuals. The ceremony sparked discussions on voter rights, democratic institutions, and civic responsibility.
Initiating the book launch, Deepali Rajput, CEO of Pocket News Grou,p which published the book, invited the esteemed guests to share their perspectives on the alternatives available to the Opposition to revive Gandhian ideology and safeguard the Constitution.
Sudhanshu Patro, a senior journalist from Odisha and Editor-in-Chief of Pocket News Group, said his book is based on his experiences during the Voter Rights Yatra in Bihar. Patro and his team were part of the 4,200-kilometre journey across the state, during which they interacted with citizens and documented concerns relating to electoral participation and governance.
Raja Ram Singh, CPIML MP from Bihar, attended the programme as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Devinder Yadav, President of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee; eminent columnist Dr Satya Narayan Sahu; senior political journalist Ashok Wankhade; and Advocate Mohinder Mangla, President of the New Delhi District Congress Committee, along with senior journalists and invited guests.
Speaking at the launch, Patro clarified the intent behind the book’s title. “I did not even try to compare anyone with Mahatma Gandhi by giving my book the title Gandhi Lautenge,” he said, noting that the phrase was meant to evoke Gandhian ideals rather than suggest any personal parallel.
Patro highlighted that electoral transparency remains central to the book’s argument. “Until the Election Commission becomes fully transparent and impartial, and unless there is participation from both the ruling party and the Opposition in the selection process — including restoring the role earlier assigned to the Chief Justice — elections cannot truly be considered free and fair,” he told IndiaVerve.
Referring to debates surrounding the voting process, Patro said institutional accountability is vital to sustaining public trust. “If decisions are treated as final without sufficient transparency, what options remain for the Opposition?” he asked.
Patro said Gandhi Lautenge seeks to widen public discourse on democratic participation. “Through this book, we want to trigger a broader national debate on how democratic processes and institutions can be strengthened,” he said.
Devinder Yadav congratulated the author and described the book as a timely contribution to discussions on democracy and voter awareness. He emphasised the importance of citizen participation in strengthening democratic processes. “At a time when conversations around constitutional values are gaining prominence, such efforts provide insight into public sentiment,” Yadav said.
Senior journalist Ashok Wankhade offered a broader commentary on contemporary political dynamics. He observed that while individual leaders may attract attention, political parties must also undertake organisational introspection and improve their visibility. “There is a need for stronger engagement at district and state levels,” Wankhade said, raising questions about how effectively parties communicate through traditional and digital platforms.
Columnist Dr Satya Narayan Sahu linked the discussion on voter rights with historical struggles associated with Mahatma Gandhi, suggesting that present-day debates on electoral participation echo earlier movements centred on civil and political freedoms.
Speakers at the event collectively underscored the importance of democratic engagement, institutional accountability and informed citizenship, while presenting varied perspectives on the evolving political and media landscape.
Gandhi Lautenge is Sudhanshu Patro’s fifth book. Pocket News Group announced plans to publish the book in ten languages, with the stated objective of expanding its reach and encouraging wider conversations around Gandhian thought, voter rights and democratic values.
