V. P. Singh: Architect of India's Political Transformation
A scholarly exploration of Vishwanath Pratap Singh's pivotal role in modern Indian history, detailing his career and impact.
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Biographical Overview
Early Life and Education
Vishwanath Pratap Singh was born on June 25, 1931, in Allahabad district, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India. Hailing from a prominent Zamindar family of the Gaharwar Rajput clan, he was adopted by Raja Bahadur Ram Gopal Singh of Manda and became the Raja Bahadur of Manda in 1941. He received his education at Colonel Brown Cambridge School, Dehradun, Allahabad University (B.A., LL.B.), and Fergusson College, Pune (B.Sc.).
Personal Life
Singh married Princess Sita Kumari, daughter of the Raja of Deogarh-Madaria, Rajasthan, in 1955. They had two sons: Ajeya Pratap Singh, a chartered accountant, and Abhay Pratap Singh, a doctor. His family lineage traces back to rulers of the Manikpur state.
Artistic Pursuits
Beyond politics, V.P. Singh was a recognized artist, known for his sketches, watercolors, and oil paintings. His work, often exploring themes of restlessness and social commentary, was exhibited internationally. His artistic journey, which began early, continued significantly during his later years and periods of recuperation.
Political Trajectory
Entry into Politics
Singh joined the Indian National Congress in 1969. He was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1969 and later to the Lok Sabha in 1971. He served as Deputy Minister of Commerce (1974) and Minister of Commerce (1976-77) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
Appointed Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (1980-1982), Singh gained national attention for his crackdown on dacoity. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the Behmai massacre, which led to his resignation. He was considered a key figure for the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh.
Parliamentary Roles
Singh served as the Leader of the Rajya Sabha from 1984 to 1987. He was elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times, representing constituencies such as Phulpur, Fatehpur, and Allahabad. His resignation from Congress in 1987 marked a significant shift in his political career.
Central Government Ministries
Minister of Finance (1984-1987)
As Finance Minister under Rajiv Gandhi, Singh oversaw the gradual relaxation of the License Raj. He implemented measures to reduce gold smuggling and empowered the Enforcement Directorate, earning praise for his anti-corruption stance. However, his investigation into the HDW submarine deal led to differences with Gandhi, resulting in his dismissal from the Finance Ministry.
Minister of Defence (1987)
Briefly holding the Defence portfolio in 1987, Singh's tenure was short. He initiated investigations into the Bofors defence deal, which later became a major political scandal. His subsequent dismissal from the cabinet and resignation from the Congress party followed.
Minister of External Affairs (1989)
Appointed Minister of External Affairs for a brief period (December 2-5, 1989) during the National Front government's formation, his role was primarily transitional before Inder Kumar Gujral took office.
Premiership (1989-1990)
Formation of Government
Following the 1989 general elections, Singh led the National Front coalition, supported externally by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Left parties, to form the government. He became India's 7th Prime Minister, serving from December 2, 1989, to November 10, 1990.
Key Policies and Crises
His government implemented the Mandal Commission report, reserving government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which triggered widespread protests. Singh also withdrew the Indian army from Sri Lanka and worked to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan. His administration faced the challenge of the Kashmir crisis, including the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed and the subsequent exodus of Kashmiri Hindus.
Fall of the Government
The BJP withdrew its support following Singh's decision to arrest L.K. Advani during the Ram Rath Yatra. His government lost a vote of no-confidence, ending his 343-day tenure. Singh maintained that he upheld secular principles at the cost of power.
Political Realignment and Legacy
Formation of Janata Dal
In 1988, Singh founded the Janata Dal by merging several centrist parties, including Jan Morcha, Janata Party, and Lok Dal. He became the President of Janata Dal and the convener of the National Front coalition, uniting disparate political forces against the Rajiv Gandhi government.
Post-Premiership and Activism
After losing the 1991 elections, Singh retired from active politics but remained a vocal critic on issues of social justice. He battled multiple myeloma, resuming public appearances after remission. He relaunched Jan Morcha in 2006 and later merged it with the Indian National Congress. He actively participated in farmer protests, notably against land acquisition in Dadri.
Political Offices Summary
Singh held numerous significant positions throughout his career:
Enduring Impact
Social Justice and Mandal Commission
Singh's most defining policy was the implementation of the Mandal Commission report, which mandated reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs. This decision profoundly reshaped India's social and political landscape, empowering backward castes and fueling regional parties, though it also led to significant protests.
Peace Initiatives
His premiership saw the withdrawal of Indian troops from Sri Lanka, ending a costly and controversial deployment. Singh also navigated complex foreign relations, including managing border tensions with Pakistan.
Cultural Contribution
V.P. Singh's legacy extends to his artistic contributions. His paintings, exhibited internationally, reflected his deep engagement with social issues and personal experiences. His art provided another avenue for his expression and connection with the public.
References
Source Materials
- Times of India. "VP Singh's wife to get Rs 1 lakh for defamation."
- Rathore, Abhinay. "Manda (Zamindari)". Rajput Provinces of India.
- Jagran Josh. "List of all Prime Ministers of India (1947-2021)". www.jagranjosh.com.
- The Express Tribune. "A tale of one city: Revisiting the past of Swabi". 11 August 2015.
- Jadoon, Ziaullah Khan. Shakhsiat Swabi (in Urdu).
- Pandya, Haresh. "V. P. Singh, a Leader of India Who Defended Poor, Dies at 77". The New York Times. 30 November 2008.
- Pandya, Haresh. "V. P. Singh, a Leader of India Who Defended Poor, Dies at 77". The New York Times. 30 November 2008.
- Mukerji, Debashish. "Before Deve Gowda, VP Singh was asked to be PM of United Front. He hid in his flat, car". ThePrint. 8 December 2021.
- Srinivasaraju, Sugata. "Deve Gowda and the accidental prime ministers". The New Indian Express. 5 June 2021.
- Pandya, Haresh. "V. P. Singh, a leader of India who defended poor, dies at 77". The New York Times. 29 November 2008.
- Kumar, Ashwani. Community Warriors: State, Peasants and Caste Armies in Bihar. Anthem Press.
- Ghai, Rajat. "The office of Prime Minister: A largely north Indian upper-caste, Hindu affair". Business Standard India. 7 May 2014.
- Firstpost. "Remembering VP Singh on his 86th birthday: A grandson reminds us why India needs its political Siddharth". 27 June 2017.
- Sircar, D. C. Indian Epigraphical Glossary. Motilal Banarsidass.
- Telegraph India. "A MORAL MAN, A FAILURE – Not good in politics, V.P. Singh's success lay elsewhere". www.telegraphindia.com.
- Suri, Surindar. The rise of Raja Manda and the 1989 and 1990 elections. Konark Publishers.
- Elections.in. "Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election in 1969 Party Wise".
- National Informatics Centre. "Tenth Lok Sabha, Members Bioprofile : SINGH, SHRI VISHWANATH PRATAP". LokSabha.nic.
- Britannica. "V.P. Singh | Biography". Britannica.com.
- Tribune India. "VP Singh, the initiator of coalition politics in India". www.tribuneindia.com.
- The Guardian. "The queen is dead | The Guardian | guardian.co.uk". www. theguardian.com.
- Tribune India. "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Nation". www.tribuneindia.com.
- The Hindu. "39 years after the 1981 Behmai massacre involving Phoolan Devi, verdict likely on Jan 18". PTI. 17 January 2020.
- Ricento, Thomas. Ideology, Politics and Language Policies: Focus on English. John Benjamins Publishing.
- Kudaisya, Gyanesh. Region, Nation, "Heartland": Uttar Pradesh in India's Body Politic. SAGE Publishing India.
- The Economic Times. "Business News Live, Share Market News – Read Latest Finance News, IPO, Mutual Funds News".
- Mustafa 1995, pp. 78; Chand 1990, pp. 45–47.
- Rai 2006, p. (xviii).
- Sinha, Dipankar. "V. P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and "Nowhere Politics" in India". Asian Survey.
- Bhargava 1990, p. 36.
- Hindustan Times. "Lok Sabha 2019 constituency: VP Singh won from Fatehpur, BJP holds it now". 30 April 2019.
- Basu, Manisha. The Rhetoric of Hindutva. Cambridge University Press.
- National Informatics Centre. "Statistical report of Lok Sabha of 1980". (PDF).
- Facebook. "Vinay Pratap Singh". www.facebook.com.
- WordPress. "Mr Clean VP singh". Realistic News.
- Hindustan Times. "Arms and the Indian politician". 12 November 2018.
- Primepoint.in. "The Times and Tides during 1989". www.primepoint.in.
- Chand 1990, p. 470.
- Outlook India. "V P Singh Changed India's Political Course Through Quota". 27 November 2008.
- Indian National Congress. "Vishwanath Singh was one of the most trusted and noble members..."
- Jagran Josh. "List of Finance Ministers of India".
- The Economic Times. "Finance Ministers who shaped India's economy – Pillars of Indian economy". 14 January 2019.
- Lok Sabha Secretariat. Parliamentary Debates.
- Economic Times. "In India, economic gains and new perils". 2 March 1987.
- New York Times. "In India, economic gains and new perils". 2 March 1987.
- Encyclopedia Britannica. "India – V.P. Singh's coalition—its brief rise and fall".
- IndiaInfoline. "Contact Us – IndiaInfoline". www.indiainfoline.com.
- New York Times. "Indian Government Lodges First Charges In Weapons Scandal". 23 January 1990.
- New York Times. "Turmoil and a Scandal Take a Toll on Gandhi". 24 August 1987.
- ThePrint. "It's a puzzle why VP Singh was never accepted by OBCs even after Mandal Commission". 27 November 2019.
- BRASS, PAUL R. An Indian Political Life: Charan Singh and Congress Politics, 1967 To 1987. Sage Publications India.
- India Today.
- Tikoo, P. 414.
- India Today.
- Tikoo, P. 414.
- Book Reference.
- Book Reference.
- Act Document.
- Book Reference.
- Book Reference.
- Book Reference.
- Book Reference.
- Supreme Court Ruling.
- Supreme Court Ruling.
- Protest Analysis.
- Protest Analysis.
- Police Report.
- Political Analysis.
- Election Analysis.
- Ayodhya Incident Report.
- Ayodhya Incident Report.
- Ayodhya Incident Report.
- BJP Statement.
- Parliamentary Debate Record.
- Parliamentary Debate Record.
- Parliamentary Debate Record.
- Parliamentary Debate Record.
- BJP Withdrawal Statement.
- Parliamentary Vote Record.
- Parliamentary Vote Record.
- Parliamentary Vote Record.
- Left Party Support Statement.
- Resignation Announcement.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview.
- Chandra Shekhar Party Formation.
- Speaker's Ruling.
- Chandra Shekhar Resignation.
- Election Result Analysis.
- Post-Political Career Activities.
- Art Exhibition Details.
- Presidential Candidate Nomination.
- Ayodhya Dispute Involvement.
- Dadri Land Acquisition Protest Arrest.
- Dadri Protest Arrest (Bardhan).
- Jan Morcha Relaunch.
- Jan Morcha Election Anticipation.
- Jan Morcha Renaming.
- Jan Morcha Merger with Congress.
- Dadri Protest Solidarity.
- Dadri Protest Solidarity Arrest.
- Dadri Protest Solidarity Action.
- Dadri Protest Solidarity Action.
- Apollo Hospital Death Announcement.
- Cremation Details.
- HT Correspondent.
- State Honors Announcement.
- Election Commission Data.
- Lok Sabha Biodata.
- Election Commission Data.
- Election Commission Data.
- Election Commission Data.
- Lok Sabha Biodata.
- Hindustan Times Constituency Report.
- Hindustan Times Constituency Report.
- Family Details Source.
- Statue Inauguration Report.
- Documentary Information.
- Film Information.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview Record.
- Art Exhibition Details.
- Artistic Training Source.
- Artistic Style Description.
- Statue Inauguration Report.
- Documentary Information.
- Film Information.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview Record.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview.
- HDW Deal Inquiry.
- Jan Morcha Relaunch.
- Jan Morcha Election Plans.
- Jan Morcha Renaming.
- Jan Morcha Merger.
- Dadri Protest Arrest.
- Dadri Protest Arrest (Bardhan).
- Dadri Protest Action.
- Dadri Protest Action.
- Apollo Hospital Death Announcement.
- Cremation Details.
- HT Correspondent.
- State Honors Announcement.
- Election Commission Data.
- Lok Sabha Biodata.
- Election Commission Data.
- Election Commission Data.
- Election Commission Data.
- Lok Sabha Biodata.
- Hindustan Times Constituency Report.
- Hindustan Times Constituency Report.
- Family Details Source.
- Statue Inauguration Report.
- Documentary Information.
- Film Information.
- Art Exhibition Details.
- Art Exhibition Details.
- Artistic Training Source.
- Artistic Style Description.
- Statue Inauguration Report.
- Documentary Information.
- Film Information.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview Record.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview.
- HDW Deal Inquiry.
- Jan Morcha Relaunch.
- Jan Morcha Election Plans.
- Jan Morcha Renaming.
- Jan Morcha Merger.
- Dadri Protest Arrest.
- Dadri Protest Arrest (Bardhan).
- Dadri Protest Action.
- Dadri Protest Action.
- Apollo Hospital Death Announcement.
- Cremation Details.
- HT Correspondent.
- State Honors Announcement.
- Election Commission Data.
- Lok Sabha Biodata.
- Election Commission Data.
- Election Commission Data.
- Election Commission Data.
- Lok Sabha Biodata.
- Hindustan Times Constituency Report.
- Hindustan Times Constituency Report.
- Family Details Source.
- Statue Inauguration Report.
- Documentary Information.
- Film Information.
- Art Exhibition Details.
- Art Exhibition Details.
- Artistic Training Source.
- Artistic Style Description.
- Statue Inauguration Report.
- Documentary Information.
- Film Information.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview Record.
- Shekhar Gupta Interview.
- HDW Deal Inquiry.
- Jan Morcha Relaunch.
- Jan Morcha Election Plans.
- Jan Morcha Renaming.
- Jan Morcha Merger.
- Dadri Protest Arrest.
- Dadri Protest Arrest (Bardhan).
- Dadri Protest Action.
- Dadri Protest Action.
- Apollo Hospital Death Announcement.
- Cremation Details.
- HT Correspondent.
- State Honors Announcement.
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References
References
- On November 7, 1990, V.P. Singh resigned after suffering a vote of no confidence by a stunning margin of 356 to 151.
- Jan Morcha merges with Congress. The Hindu. (25 July 2009). Retrieved 14 September 2011.
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