Vice Presidential Election: Which Sikh leader was the only candidate to contest the vice-presidential polls?
Vice President Election: The stage is set for a direct contest today between NDA's CP Radhakrishnan and the Opposition's B Sudershan Reddy in the vice presidential election, following the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, which necessitated this poll.
Parliament is gearing up for a high-profile contest today as members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha vote to elect India's next Vice President. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated CP Radhakrishnan, currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, while the Opposition's INDIA bloc has fielded former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. As the nation awaits the outcome, let's look back at a unique chapter in India's political history, when the vice-presidential polls saw their only Sikh contender.
Vice President Election: Who was the only Sikh candidate?
Surjit Singh Barnala, a veteran politician and former Punjab Chief Minister, was the only Sikh candidate who contested the vice-presidential polls. In 1997, Barnala, the Shiromani Akali Dal leader, was a candidate of the BJP and its allies in the election of the vice-president of India. Barnala contested the polls as the Opposition's candidate.
Barnala was defeated by Krishan Kant, a candidate of the ruling Congress and United Front, who secured 441 votes compared to Barnala's 273. Although he did not win the vice-presidential polls, Barnala's candidature remains historic, as he continues to hold the legacy of being the only Sikh leader to have contested for the second-highest constitutional office in India.
Surjit Singh Barnala's political journey
Surjit Singh Barnala was a seasoned politician and lawyer and was the 11th chief minister of Punjab from 1985 to 1987.Over his long career, he served in multiple roles, including the governor of Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh; lieutenant governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands; and a Union Minister handling various portfolios. Barnala was the agriculture minister in the Morarji Desai government from 1977 to 1979 and again the chemicals and fertilisers minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government from 1998 to 1999. Barnala represented the Sangrur Lok Sabha constituency thrice in 1977, 1996 and 1998.
Known for his calm demeanour and ability to mediate in difficult times, Barnala carried immense respect across party lines.
Barnala served as chief minister during a period of Sikh militant movement in Punjab. The state had been under Barnala's chief ministership from 1985 to 1987, and after nearly two years in office, President's Rule was imposed.
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