Chandra Shekhar: News

Chandra Shekhar, born on July 1, 1927, in Ibrahimpatti, Uttar Pradesh, was India’s eighth Prime Minister from November 1990 to June 1991. Passionate about social change from a young age, he launched his political career by working with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. After obtaining his Master’s in Political Science from Allahabad University in 1950, he became an active member of the Praja Socialist Party. It was through his association with this party he was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1962. Known for his forthright and fiery personality, Shekhar joined the Indian National Congress in 1965 but quit in 1977 to join Janata Party. In 1988, after Janata Party’s merger with other opposition parties, Janata Dal Party was formed—headed by VP Singh, who became the Prime Minister. However, Shekhar split from Janata Dal Party in November 1990 to form Janata Dal–Socialist; with support from the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress (I), he replaced Singh as the Prime Minister the same month. However, he resigned in March 1991 over differences with Gandhi who withdrew support to the coalition but remained as a caretaker until June. The eight-time Lok Sabha member remained active in politics until his death on July 8, 2007.