Madhu Limaye

Madhu Limaye Biography

Madhu Limaye was a Socialist essayist and social activist in the 1970s. He along with Raj Narain and Krishan Kant was also responsible for the collapse of the Morarji Desai coalition government. He insisted that no Janata Party member could own dual membership with any political party or organization. It was his direct attack on members belonging to Jan Sangh who held the membership of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as well. He was follower of Ram Manohar Lohia and a friend of George Fernandes. He was a part of Janata coalition that gained power following the Emergency period during Indira Gandhi’s rule. In the 1980’s he retired from active politics. However he continued with writing, mostly related to constitutional issues. He played an active role in JP movement and has served as a Parliamentarian.

He was born on May 01, 1922 in Pune as the son of Ramchandra Mahadev Limaye. He completed graduation from Fergusson College. During his college studies, he got involved with freedom struggle movement and was a member of Indian National Congress for a decade from 1938 to 1948. He was a part of Goa Liberation movement and was sentenced for 12 years imprisonment. When Portuguese jailed him in 1955, he wrote letters to his son. 'Goa Liberation Movement and Madhu Limaye' is his prison diary. He got released after 19 months.

He served as the chairman of Socialist party for a couple of years in the late 1950’s. He has been elected to Parliament for four terms. He is remembered for his oratory and writings and was known for being outspoken for suppression of freedom of speech and atrocities that formed part of the Emergency Period. His autobiographical work, Aatmakatha is really inspiring.

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Updated: May 08, 2014