The current prime minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi recently released a book titled “Chandra Shekhar-The Last Icon of Ideological Politics.” Written by Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Shri Ravi Dutt Bajpai, the book discusses the ideologies of politics and life in general of the eighth prime minister of India.
Here are the 10 things about the former prime minister of India, Chandra Shekhar:
1. Born In Poor Farming Family
Chandra Shekhar was born on 1 July 1927 to a poor Rajput farming family in the village Ibrahimpatti in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh.
2. Obtained Masters In Political Science
Despite poor education, Chandra Shekhar graduated from Satish Chandra P.G. College in arts and obtained a masters degree in political science from Allahabad University in 1951.
3. Active In Politics During Student Life
Chandra Shekhar was active in college politics and began his political career with Dr.Ram Manohar. He became an active participant of socialist politics after completing his graduation.
4. Joined Praja Socialist Party
After joining the socialist movement he became secretary of the district Praja Socialist Party (PSP) in Ballia. Within a year he became joint secretary of the Uttar Pradesh unit of PSP and general secretary of state in 1955-56.
5. Elected To Rajya Sabha in 1962
His career as a politician took a leap when he was elected as Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh in 1962 as an independent candidate. During the same time, he was influenced by Acharya Narendra Dev, a firebrand socialist leader. Chandra Shekhar successfully completed his tenure in Rajya Sabha from 1962 to 1977 and was re-elected for Rajya Sabha two times.
6. Won Lok Sabha Elections From Ballia
Chandra Shekhar joined congress in 1964. He resigned from his seat in Rajya Sabha after he was elected for Lok Sabha from Ballia Constituency in 1967 as an INC candidate. Despite being a member of the ruling Congress party he was arrested and sent to Patiala jail for protesting against Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi.
7. Organized Nationwide Padayatra
In 1983, Chandra Shekhar organized a nationwide padayatra with the intention to know the country better which according to him gave jitters to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. During this time he was nicknamed “Young Turk” for his conviction and courage to go against Indira Gandhi and fight against vested interests.
8. Became President Of Janata Party
Post emergency he became the president of Janata Party that formed government at the center in 1977 and Morarji Desai became the prime minister. However, in 1980 elections the party lost power and were routed in 1984 general elections winning only 10 seats. In this election, Chandra Shekhar lost his seat from Ballia.
9. Prime Minister For Seven Months
In 1990, Chandra Shekhar formed the Samajwadi Janata Party and with the support of Rajiv Gandhi as the opposition leader and 64 MPs won the confidence motion to replace VP Singh as the Prime Minister of India. He was the prime minister for seven months, shortest period second to that of Charan Singh. Chandra Shekhar resigned when former PM Rajiv Gandhi decided to precipitate a new general assembly election.
10. Years After Prime Ministership
After P.V. Narasimha Rao took over as the PM, the political clout of Chandra Shekhar was reduced to a great extent although he continued to hold his Lok Sabha seat for many years afterward. He established Bharat Yatra Centers in different parts of India and set up a trust in Bhondsi village in Gurgaon, Haryana with the aim to focus on rural development.
Chandra Shekhar breathed his last on 8 July 2007. He will be always remembered as the leader who fought for destitute and the poor.
