Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India’s most celebrated leaders, was much more than a statesman and politician. Known for his eloquence, poetic soul, and humility, Vajpayee’s life was full of human emotions that made him relatable to millions. Among the lesser-known yet significant aspects of his life was his deep and lifelong connection with Rajkumari Haksar-Kaul, a relationship that beautifully blended love, loyalty, and companionship while defying societal norms and expectations.
The Beginning of a Timeless Bond
The story of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Rajkumari Kaul dates back to the 1940s in Gwalior. Both were students at Victoria College (now Laxmibai College), where their friendship gradually transformed into something deeper. Vajpayee, known for his oratory and poetic talent even as a student, found a kindred spirit in Rajkumari, whose intellect and charm complemented his personality.
Their love story, however, was defined by its subtlety. Vajpayee, as a young man, expressed his feelings in a letter but chose an unconventional way to deliver it—by placing the letter inside a book that Rajkumari was expected to read. Rajkumari’s response, equally heartfelt, was written in another letter that fatefully never reached Vajpayee. This missed communication didn’t deter their bond, which continued to grow despite the lack of formal declarations.
Societal Norms and Forced Separation
Rajkumari Kaul belonged to a prominent Kashmiri Pandit family. Her father, Govind Narayan Haksar, held a high position in Gwalior’s administration and was deeply conservative. He strongly opposed Rajkumari’s relationship with Vajpayee, citing differences in social and familial expectations. Eventually, under familial pressure, Rajkumari married Professor Brij Narayan Kaul, a philosopher and academic at Delhi’s Ramjas College.
This marriage marked a turning point, seemingly separating their lives. Vajpayee, deeply entrenched in his political aspirations, joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), dedicating his life to public service and vowing to remain unmarried. Despite the separation, the emotional connection between Vajpayee and Rajkumari endured.
Rekindling the Connection in Delhi
Years later, destiny brought them back together in Delhi. Vajpayee’s political career flourished as he emerged as one of the leading voices of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During this time, his friendship with Rajkumari Kaul was rekindled, and their bond became stronger than ever.
Vajpayee became a regular visitor to the Kaul household, where he found a sense of belonging and emotional solace. Despite societal perceptions, their relationship was based on mutual respect and companionship. Rajkumari and her family offered Vajpayee unwavering support, becoming an integral part of his personal and professional life. Over time, Vajpayee moved in with the Kaul family, further solidifying their unique relationship.
Mrs Kaul shifted to Atal’s residence
By 1978, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the external affairs minister in the Morarji Desai government, Mr and Mrs Kaul and their daughters had all moved in to his Lutyens’ house at 5, Raisina Road. Atal adopted Mrs Kaul’s daughter Namita and later, her granddaughter Niharika.
Former President Pranab Mukherjee told Hindustan Times in an interview, “We lived next door and they made an entrance through a side wall so Vajpayee and his family members could come easily to our place. He was very fond of fish. Namita, his foster daughter, used to regularly play at our place. My wife and Mrs Kaul (Namita’s mother) had a very deep bonding. When Namita’s marriage was decided, my wife helped in preparations because the groom was a Bengali [Namita married Ranjan Bhattacharya].”
A Unique Family Dynamic
Rajkumari Kaul played a pivotal role in Vajpayee’s personal life. Her daughters, Namita and Nandita, saw him as a father figure. Vajpayee eventually adopted Namita and her daughter Niharika, treating them as his own family. This unconventional family dynamic was a testament to the depth of his bond with Rajkumari.
When Vajpayee became India’s Prime Minister in 1998, Rajkumari Kaul and her family moved with him to the official residence at 7, Race Course Road (now Lok Kalyan Marg). Namita and her husband, Ranjan Bhattacharya, played significant roles in managing Vajpayee’s household and supporting him during his tenure.
An Enduring Love Beyond Labels
The relationship between Vajpayee and Rajkumari defied traditional definitions. It was neither a conventional marriage nor a fleeting romance but rather a profound connection that stood the test of time. Their bond exemplified love that transcends societal norms and formalities. Despite living in the public eye, they maintained the sanctity of their relationship with dignity and discretion.
Senior journalist Kuldeep Nayar once described their relationship as “one of the most beautiful love stories in Indian politics.” Rajkumari’s unwavering support for Vajpayee during his political struggles and triumphs was unparalleled. She stood by him as a silent pillar of strength, embodying the essence of loyalty and companionship.
The Poet’s Heart
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s poetic inclinations often reflected his emotional depth. His first poem was dedicated to the laborers who built the Taj Mahal, a symbol of love. This poem, however, didn’t glorify the monument’s beauty or Shah Jahan’s love for Mumtaz but instead highlighted the sacrifices of the workers who made it possible. This perspective mirrored Vajpayee’s own life—one where love was deeply felt but seldom openly expressed.
Vajpayee’s poetry resonated with Rajkumari, who often admired his ability to articulate complex emotions. Their shared appreciation for literature and art further strengthened their bond, making it a relationship of intellectual and emotional compatibility.
A Legacy of Love and Loyalty
Rajkumari Kaul passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of love and unwavering loyalty. Vajpayee, who had already retreated from public life due to health issues, was deeply affected by her demise. Her death marked the end of an era, but their story remains an enduring testament to the quiet strength of love.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s life was a blend of political brilliance, poetic expression, and profound humanity. His relationship with Rajkumari Kaul adds an intimate dimension to his legacy, showcasing the human side of a leader who navigated the complexities of life with grace and dignity. Their story is a reminder that love, in its purest form, transcends societal norms, remaining timeless and eternal.
The Enigma of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Throughout his life, Vajpayee maintained an enigmatic stance on his personal relationships. When questioned about his bachelorhood, he famously remarked, “I am unmarried but not a celibate,” hinting at the depth of his emotional connections. His decision to remain unmarried was rooted in his commitment to the RSS and his dedication to public service. Yet, his relationship with Rajkumari Kaul highlighted the balance he struck between his personal and professional lives.
Vajpayee’s closest associates often described him as a man who valued relationships deeply. While his public persona exuded charisma and leadership, his private life reflected vulnerability and warmth. His bond with Rajkumari Kaul was a cornerstone of this duality, blending the personal and political seamlessly.
Remembering a Timeless Leader
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy is multifaceted. As a politician, he was a visionary leader who steered India through critical junctures. As a poet, he captured the essence of human emotions with remarkable sensitivity. And as a human being, he exemplified love, loyalty, and compassion.
His relationship with Rajkumari Kaul remains one of the most poignant chapters of his life, offering a glimpse into the man behind the leader. It is a story of love that thrived despite societal norms, a bond that endured the passage of time, and a connection that defined the essence of companionship. In remembering Vajpayee, one cannot overlook the quiet strength of this relationship, which continues to inspire generations.
