In a poignant ceremony today in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh, on the occasion of ‘Farmers Day,’ commemorating Singh’s birth anniversary. Adityanath expressed his respect and admiration for the iconic leader who dedicated his life to championing the cause of Annadata farmers and fostering their holistic development.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, born on December 23, 1903, into a rural peasant family in Noorpur, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, emerged as a prominent figure in Indian politics, motivated by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian Independence Movement. His early political engagements included active participation in the Ghaziabad District Arya Samaj and the Meerut District Indian National Congress, resulting in two incarcerations by the British.
Before India gained independence, Charan Singh, as a member of the Legislative Assembly of the United Provinces elected in 1937, displayed a deep commitment to addressing laws detrimental to the village economy. His advocacy against the exploitation of land tillers by landlords marked the foundation of his ideological and practical stand for the welfare of rural communities.
From 1952 to 1968, Chaudhary Charan Singh became one of the “three principal leaders in Congress state politics.” His visibility grew in Uttar Pradesh during the 1950s, particularly for spearheading revolutionary land reform laws under the guidance of Chief Minister Govind Ballabh Pant. Singh’s opposition to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s socialistic land policies in 1959 catapulted him onto the national stage, making him a respected spokesperson for middle peasant communities across caste lines in North India.
In 1967, Charan Singh defected from the Congress, joined the opposition, and became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. His leadership during the period of non-Congress governments from 1967 to 1971 showcased his ability to articulate clear policies and values, distinguishing him within the faction-ridden Uttar Pradesh Congress.
As the leader of the Bharatiya Lok Dal within the Janata coalition, Chaudhary Charan Singh aimed for the Prime Ministerial position in 1977 but faced disappointment when Morarji Desai was chosen. It wasn’t until 1979, with the united efforts of the opposition under the Janata Party banner, that Charan Singh assumed the role of Prime Minister. However, his term lasted only 24 weeks as he resigned in response to the withdrawal of support by Indira Gandhi’s Congress Party, citing his refusal to be blackmailed into dropping emergency-related court cases against her.
Chaudhary Charan Singh continued to lead the Lok Dal in opposition until his passing in 1987. His legacy endures as a symbol of dedication to farmers’ rights and rural development, a sentiment reflected in CM Yogi Adityanath’s tribute on this significant ‘Farmers’ Day.’ The ceremony not only honors a visionary leader but also underscores the ongoing commitment to the welfare of those who toil on the land—the true Annadata farmers.
