SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 24

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level - 1st August 2025 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q24

The book 'The Accidental Prime Minister' by Sanjaya Baru is based on which of the following Indian Prime Minister's life?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Correct Answer

Manmohan Singh

Explanation

'The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh' is a 2014 political memoir written by Sanjaya Baru. The book is based on the life and tenure of Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. Sanjaya Baru served as Dr. Singh's media advisor and chief spokesperson from May 2004 to August 2008. In the memoir, Baru provides an insider account of the inner workings of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and details the political dynamics and administrative challenges during the first term of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA-1) government.

Key Points

The book heavily discusses the balance of power within the UPA government, alleging that significant authority was wielded by the Congress Party President, Sonia Gandhi.

Upon its release in April 2014, the Prime Minister's Office officially dismissed the veracity of the book, labeling the narrative as a work of fiction and colored views.

The memoir was later adapted into a Hindi-language biographical political drama film of the same name in 2019, starring actor Anupam Kher as Dr. Manmohan Singh and Akshaye Khanna as Sanjaya Baru.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: In which year was the book 'The Accidental Prime Minister' published?

Answer: The book was published in April 2014 by Penguin India.

Question: Which actor portrayed Dr. Manmohan Singh in the 2019 film adaptation of this book?

Answer: Renowned actor Anupam Kher portrayed Dr. Manmohan Singh in the film adaptation.