Chaudhary Charan Singh: Architect of rural reforms

Chaudhary Charan Singh, a prominent Indian politician, farmer leader, and the fifth Prime Minister of India, was born on December 23, 1902, in Noorpur, a small village in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. A strong advocate for the rights of farmers and rural development, he became a central figure in India’s political landscape during the post-Independence era.

Charan Singh was born into a middle-class peasant family and deeply understood the struggles of rural communities. His early education was completed in Meerut, followed by a degree in law from Agra University. After qualifying as a lawyer, he began his legal practice in Ghaziabad in 1928. However, his passion for social justice and agrarian reforms soon drew him to active politics.

In 1937, Charan Singh was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly as a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). A firm believer in Gandhian principles, he played a significant role in the freedom struggle, participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. He was imprisoned multiple times by British authorities, which solidified his commitment to India’s Independence.

After Independence, Charan Singh’s political career flourished, and he focused on policies aimed at improving the lives of farmers and rural workers. He opposed policies that he believed favoured industrialists at the expense of the agrarian community. As the Revenue Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1949, he introduced the landmark Zamindari Abolition Act, which aimed to dismantle feudal landholding systems and empower small farmers.

Charan Singh became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1967 and again in 1970. During his tenure, he implemented various reforms to improve agricultural productivity and rural infrastructure. His pro-farmer policies earned him immense respect among the rural masses, cementing his reputation as a “champion of the peasants”.

In 1977, after the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, Charan Singh joined the Janata Party, a coalition of Opposition groups. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. However, internal conflicts within the Janata Party led to the collapse of the government.

In 1979, Charan Singh formed the Lok Dal and became the Prime Minister of India on July 28, 1979. His tenure was short-lived, lasting only until January 14, 1980, as his government lacked a majority in Parliament. Despite this, his emphasis on rural development, agricultural reforms and the uplift of marginalised communities left a lasting legacy.

Charan Singh’s contributions to Indian politics extended beyond his tenure as Prime Minister. His vision for a self-reliant rural economy and his focus on farmers’ welfare inspired generations of leaders. He passed away on May 29, 1987, but remains a revered figure in Indian history, especially among the rural population.

The Government of India honoured him by naming the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow and the Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut after him. His birthday, December 23, is celebrated as Kisan Diwas (Farmers’ Day) in recognition of his unwavering commitment to farmers’ welfare.