TODAY -

Chaudhary Charan Singh : The Voice of Rural India

Prabhat Kishore *



Chaudhary Charan Singh, fifth Prime Minister of India is known as the “Kisan Messiah” because he struggled his whole life for the cause of farmers in the country. He was a versatile and multifaceted personality and made significant contribution to social, political, educational, literacy and journalism.

Born on 23rd December 1902 at Noorpur (Uttar Pradesh) in a peasant family, Charan Singh struggled his student life in Meerut and Agra. In 1927, he graduated in Law from Meerut College and started his work as an advocate at Ghaziabad. In 1928, he was married to Gayatri Devi (who was later elected as a member of the Lok Sabha).

In childhood, he was highly influenced with the vision of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and associated himself with Arya Samaj. As an Arya Samaji, he did not use caste as a rallying point and performed inter-caste marriages of his two daughters. He was highly influenced by Sant Kabir, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel.

Charan Singh’s political journey started in 1929, when he became a member of the Congress. He was imprisoned in 1930, 1940 and 1942 during the freedom movement. In 1937 he was elected to the United Province Vidhan Sabha.

He was the chief architect of land reforms in UP. He introduced the Agriculture Produce Market Bill to safeguard the interests of farmers against the rapacity of traders. Later on most of the provinces of India adopted this Bill.

In 1952, he became the Revenue Minister and on 1st July 1952 the Jamindari system was abolished through the Jamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act in the UP Vidhan Sabha. In 1953, the Lekhpal system was introduced in place of the Patwari system and in 1954 the Chakbandi Act was implemented in the state. In 1959, he publically opposed Jawahar Lal’s Soviet-leaning economic and collective land policies at the Nagpur Congress Session.

Being the son of the soil, his vision was clear that collective farming was not possible in the country and the farmers must have ownership right as against just a tiller. Due to opposition of Nehru’s policy, his political career suffered a lot. His position in the Congress weakened, but the positive thing was that the peasant community started rallying behind him.

On 1st April 1967, Chaudhary Saheb parted away from the Congress and formed the Bharatiya Kranti Dal. He joined hands with socialist leaders Raj Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and other Opposition parties and became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

He served the State as CM from 3rd April 1967 to 25th February 1968 and again from 18th February 1970 to 1st October 1970. He implemented various welfare schemes for farmers and depressed communities. Due to his initiatives, salaries and various privileges of Ministers in UP was drastically reduced.

In 1977, the Janata Party was formed with the merger of several non-Congress political parties, of which Charan Singh’s Bharatiya Lok Dal was also a constituent. The Janata Party adopted the Lok Dal’s party symbol “Haldhar Kisan” for the election.

The Janata Party and its allies got 345 seats in the Lok Sabha election, out of which the erstwhile Bharatiya Jan Sangh faction got 102, Bharatiya Lok Dal faction 64, Socialist groups 35, Congress for Democracy 28 and rest others factions like Congress (O).

Charan Singh was a strong contender for the post of Prime Minister as the number of MPs from his faction was next to that of the Jan Sangh and the leaders of Jan Sangh were not in the race. Jagjivan Ram was also trying to be elected as the leader of the party with the help of Jan Sangh and socialist groups and pressed for open election.

But Jai Prakash Narayan and Acharya Kripalani, who were authorized to nominate the PM candidate, went in favour of Congress (O) leader Morarji Desai with Charan Singh to hold the heavyweight portfolio of the Home Ministry. Following disagreement with PM Morarji Desai, Charan Singh resigned in June 1978; but was brought back to the Cabinet in February 1979 as Deputy PM along with Finance Ministry.

Shortly there was rebellion in the Janata Party and in July 1979 break up in the Janata Party took place when 64 MPs, supporting Charan Singh, formed a separate group in the Lok Sabha. Chaudhary Charan Singh became the Prime Minister on 28th July 1979 when a coalition of the Janata Party (Charan faction) and the Congress (Socialist)-led by YB Chavan formed the Government with outside support of the Indira Gandhi-led Congress (I).

When he was to prove vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha; Indira Gandhi withdrew support and Charan Singh had to resign without facing the House. The Lok Sabha was dissolved and Singh worked as caretaker PM till 14th January 1980. Charan Singh said that he resigned because he was not ready to be blackmailed into withdrawing emergency-related Court cases against Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.

Between 1946 and 1986, Charan Singh wrote several books namely “Abolition of Zamindari : Two Alternatives” (1947), “Joint Farming X-rayed : The Problem and Its Solution” (1959), “India’s Poverty and Its Solution” (1964), “India’s Economic Policy : The Gandhian Blueprint” (1978), “Economic Nightmare of India : Its Cause and Cure”(1981), and “Land Reforms in UP and the Kulaks” (1986). All his books and most of the articles written during his lifetime focused on villages and agriculture in India’s political economy and planning.

Charan Singh was a true champion of farmers and whenever he got opportunity in various Governments and organizations, he tried his best for the well-being of the Annadata. He was a thinker, fearless writer and agriculturist who used to inspire people.

He took his last breath on 29th May 1987 after a long illness. On enlightening the path of Indian politics for decades through his determination, constructive leadership, Nationalist vision, strong will power, political proficiency and popularity, Chaudhary Charan Singh will always be memorable for the Indian masses.


* Prabhat Kishore wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on May 28 2023.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025