In a parliamentary democracy, citizens always wish to hear the articulate voice of the Opposition that can offer reasoned criticism of the government and alternative policy solutions to the challenges faced by the country. In 2017, P. Chidambaram braved misinterpretation, criticism and abuse to emerge as that voice.

From the reckless adventure of demonetization to the flawed GST to the Central government’s economic report card that had to be marked ‘Failed’, Speaking Truth to Power is a collection of the incisive essays published in 2017 as a weekly column in The Indian Express. The essays highlight why there is a pervasive sense of disappointment after forty-three months of the Narendra Modi government. They are on a range of subjects that capture the reality of India more than the country’s GDP-hunger, children, privacy, intolerance, etc. In a year when Indian politics remained divisive and ugly, Chidambaram forcefully articulates his views on the Budget, the deceptive calm in Jammu and Kashmir, the implosion in the AIADMK, the intriguing verdict in the election to the Gujarat legislature and many other contemporary issues.

Following principles of fidelity to truth and unbiased criticism based on sound logic, Chidambaram is at his characteristic best here.