Sanjay Gandhi

Sanjay Gandhi (December 14, 1946 - June 23, 1980) was an Indian politician; the younger son of Feroze Gandhi and his wife Indira Gandhi. Although never more than a Member of Parliament, he was at one time considered by many Indians as the most destructive force in national politics, as he was personally and politically close to his mother, the Prime Minister.

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December 14 - 1946 - June 23 - 1980 - Feroze Gandhi - Indira Gandhi

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Sanjay and his elder brother Rajiv Gandhi studied at The Doon School, as well as in England. Sanjay never attended college, but took up an apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce. He was absolutely fascinated with sports cars, and even obtained a pilot's license. During his years in England, he was penalized several times and arrested as well for reckless driving, and it has been revealed that he and his brash friends also stole cars. He returned to India and began living with his mother in Delhi.

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Rajiv Gandhi - The Doon School - England - Rolls-Royce - India - Delhi

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While his brother Rajiv was attempting to build his own independent, non-political course in life, Sanjay grew emotionally close to his mother, and became involved in political affairs. In 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Cabinet granted a prized contract and production license to Sanjay to manufacture the "people's car" - a cheap, affordable and efficient indigenious machine that middle-class citizens could afford. While many reputed national and international car makers had applied for that license, the 25-year old son of the PM, a man without any credentials or business experience, design or plan to offer was granted it exclusively. He did not even represent any corporate entity then. The criticism of his mother was fierce, but the 1971 war with Pakistan drowned out the issue. India's victory and subsequent Congress landslide in the elections only left Indira Gandhi more powerful, as a Goddess-like heroine.

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The Maruti Udyog Ltd., the nation's premier automobiles corporation of today was founded by Sanjay Gandhi, but the company did not produce any. A test model put out as a showpiece of progress was mocked by critics. Sanjay went on a rampage of collecting funds, land, capital and production materials from industrialists who simply wanted to gain favor of the son who had such a close personal link with the Prime Minister and the ruling party. Sanjay continually obtained massive personal profits, including government funds, but produced nothing as a result of his endeavors. At the same time, he collected brash, sycophantic and corrupt friends in the Congress Party and in business circles.

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