In a poignant tribute, Rajnath Singh, India’s Defense Minister, remembered and paid homage to the illustrious Chaudhary Charan Singh on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Singh lauded Charan Singh’s lifelong commitment to the welfare of farmers, laborers, and the marginalized sections of society, emphasizing his enduring efforts to enrich the rural economy of India. Charan Singh, who served as the 5th Prime Minister of India from 1979 to 1980, is often hailed as the Champion of India’s peasants.
The birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, falling on 23rd December is celebrated nationwide as ‘Farmers’ Day.’ Rajnath Singh, acknowledging the significance of this day, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to farmers across the country.
Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy is deeply ingrained in Indian politics, and historians and the public alike recognize him as a pivotal figure in championing the cause of India’s peasants. Born on 23rd December 1903 in a rural peasant family in the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, Charan Singh entered politics during the Indian Independence Movement, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
His early political journey saw active participation in the Ghaziabad District Arya Samaj and the Meerut District Indian National Congress. He faced imprisonment twice under British rule. As a member of the Legislative Assembly of the United Provinces elected in 1937, Chaudhary Charan Singh passionately advocated for laws that safeguarded the interests of the village economy and took a principled stand against the exploitation of land tillers by landlords.
In the 1950s, Chaudhary Charan Singh rose to prominence in Uttar Pradesh for his role in drafting and ensuring the passage of revolutionary land reform laws. This period marked his divergence from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s collectivist land policies, gaining him recognition as the spokesperson for middle peasant communities in North India.
Chaudhary Charan Singh’s political journey included defection from the Congress in 1967, becoming the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He later played a significant role in the formation of the Janata Party in 1977. Despite his efforts, he assumed the office of Prime Minister only in 1979 for a brief 24 weeks.
Rajnath Singh’s tribute highlights Chaudhary Charan Singh’s unwavering commitment to principles, firm governance, and his role as a formidable leader during a period of significant political transformation in India. The celebration of ‘Farmers’ Day’ serves as a reminder of Charan Singh’s enduring influence on policies that impact the agricultural landscape of the nation.
