Farmers' Champion Chaudhary Charan Singh To Get Bharat Ratna — A Look At His Life

Born on December 23, 1902, in a rural farming family in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary Charan Singh was deeply connected to agrarian issues and rural concerns.

File photo of Chaudhary Charan Singh.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh would be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Chaudhary Charan Singh served as the fifth Prime Minister of India, holding the office from July 28, 1979 - January 14, 1980. He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for two terms.

The announcement comes at a time when the RLD, a party led by Charan Singh's grandson Jayant Chaudhary, is rumoured to be moving to the fold of the BJP-led NDA.

Born on December 23, 1902, in a rural farming family in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary Charan Singh was deeply connected to agrarian issues and rural concerns. He actively participated in the Independence movement and later emerged as a champion of the farmers' rights and interests.

Chaudhary Charan Singh was a strong advocate for the agricultural community, often referred to as the "Champion of Farmers." He focused on addressing the problems faced by farmers. He brought about land reforms, irrigation policies, and credit facilities. His political career was marked by his dedication to the welfare of farmers and the upliftment of rural communities.

Before becoming the Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh led various offices, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs. He even served as the Deputy PM of the nation. He was a key figure in several political parties, including the Indian National Congress, but later, he formed a separate political entity called the Lok Dal.

As Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh faced several challenges, and his tenure was relatively short-lived. He resigned from the post in January 1980, unable to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha. Despite the brevity of his time as Prime Minister, his legacy remains associated with his commitment to the welfare of farmers and his efforts to address agrarian issues in India.