Biography of V. P. Singh:
Vishwanath Pratap Singh (V. P. Singh) was an Indian politician who served as the 7th Prime Minister of India. Born on June 25, 1931, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, V. P. Singh played a crucial role in Indian politics and governance. He is remembered for his initiatives and decisions during his tenure as Prime Minister.
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| Biography of V. P. Singh |
Early Life and Education:
1. Family Background: V. P. Singh came from a prominent Rajput family with a history of involvement in politics and administration.
2. Education: He studied at the Colonel Brown Cambridge School in Dehradun and later attended the University of Pune. He also studied at the Lucknow University, where he earned a degree in Arts and Law.
V. P. Singh’s Civil Services and Administrative Career:
1. IAS Officer: V. P. Singh joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1957 and served in various administrative capacities in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: He became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1980 and initiated several administrative reforms and developmental projects during his tenure.
National Political Career:
1. Union Finance Minister: V. P. Singh entered national politics and served as the Union Finance Minister under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi from 1984 to 1987. However, differences on economic policies led to his resignation.
2. Bofors Scandal: V. P. Singh’s exit from the Congress party was partly due to his concerns about the Bofors scandal, a major defense procurement controversy that implicated some high-profile individuals.
Prime Ministership:
1. Formation of Janata Dal: V. P. Singh formed the Janata Dal in 1988, bringing together various opposition parties.
2. Prime Ministership (1989-1990): In the 1989 general elections, the Janata Dal, along with its allies, formed the government. V. P. Singh became the Prime Minister of India. His government implemented the Mandal Commission recommendations for reservations in government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which generated significant debate and protests.
3. Resignation: V. P. Singh’s government faced challenges and internal dissent. He resigned as Prime Minister in November 1990 after losing support from some coalition partners.
Later Political Career of V. P. Singh:
1. Janata Dal (Socialist): After his resignation, V. P. Singh formed a new faction of the Janata Dal known as Janata Dal (Socialist).
2. Subsequent Elections: V. P. Singh continued to be active in politics and contested subsequent elections. However, he did not return to the office of Prime Minister.
Personal Life and Death:
1. Marriage: V. P. Singh was married to Sita Kumari. They had three sons.
2. Health Issues: In his later years, V. P. Singh battled health issues, including cancer.
3. Death: V. P. Singh passed away on November 27, 2008, at the age of 77.
Legacy:
V. P. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister is remembered for both his initiatives in social justice, such as the implementation of Mandal Commission recommendations, and the controversies and challenges faced by his government. His contributions and decisions continue to be debated in the context of Indian political history.