Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a statesman who prioritized the national interest over politics.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “Humble tribute to former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar Ji on his birth anniversary. He always placed the nation’s interest above all in his political journey. His efforts toward social harmony and nation-building will always be remembered.”
Born on July 1, 1927, in Ibrahimpatti village in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district, Chandrashekhar was drawn to politics from an early age. Known for his fiery speeches and revolutionary zeal, he rose to prominence as a dynamic leader of his time.
He began his parliamentary career in 1962, elected from Uttar Pradesh on a Praja Socialist Party (PSP) ticket. After joining the Indian National Congress in 1964, he broke ranks during the Emergency in 1975, when he was arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act. During his imprisonment, he penned his notable Jail Diary.
Chandrashekhar was honoured with the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in December 1995. As president of the Janata Party, he led a landmark padayatra from Kanyakumari to Rajghat between January and June 1983, advocating for social justice, equality, and the upliftment of the underprivileged.
He was sworn in as Prime Minister on November 10, 1990, following the resignation of Vishwanath Pratap Singh, with outside support from the Congress. However, his tenure was short-lived, ending in March 1991 after Congress withdrew its support.
Chandrashekhar passed away in New Delhi on July 8, 2007, at the age of 80.
(With inputs from IANS)
