A Commoner Becomes Uncommoner :
His father- Balwantrao, who was a son of poor bailiff at a Taluka court, died when he was in his very early age. He became uncommoner in his later life due to his mother. He gave all credit of his greatness to his mother. He was an orator and also a man of letters.
He mainly relied on his strong political common sense. He was not a Pandit or Shastri, but he was a man of experience, and also he had an ingrained habit of independent thinking. He was born in an ordinary Maratha family. He had nothing to boast of. He had no natural advantages of high class family. Also he was not rich by birth or a land lord, he was not born in a Patil or Deshmukh family. Without having such sort of advantages or any favourable circumstances, he rose to an eminent position, which was the subject of envy. He was truely a man of merits and therefore, we can aptly call him a self made man having administrative qualities. He was generally reticent. Therefore, it was very difficult to judge or to know his exact views, though his face was all smiling every now and then. He had all the qualities required to be a good political leader. Still he had tact to put aside all sorts of prejudices. He used to mix among all sorts of people and he travelled throughout India and he visited Western Countries also. He was studious a well read and also hardworking. As an individual and a householder, he was typical. Yashwantrao lost his wife and nephew who was a doctor. He was deeply affected by these tragedies. His political career was a long one and despite many odds, he continued his public life till his death.
The obscure bailiff’s son became the Deputy Prime Minister of India. It was not a wonder or miracle. The commoner became uncommoner due to his capacity and political skill. So many critics critisised him that he used to sit on fence looking at both sides. It is quite possible in case of deep thinker. So he was sometimes very slow in taking decisions. Sometimes, he had to pay heavy price for late decisions. He changed his views according to times and he used to admit his political mistakes very frankly. He was a student throughout his life and a true son of soil.
