When a constitutional amendment bill is produced before the President...
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy: The First Unanimous President of India
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was the sixth President of India who served from 1977 to 1982. He was born on May 19, 1913, in Andhra Pradesh. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and played a vital role in the Indian Independence Movement.
Election as President
In 1977, after the emergency period, the Congress government led by Indira Gandhi was defeated in the general elections. In the presidential election held in July 1977, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was nominated as the presidential candidate by the opposition parties.
The Congress Party, which was in opposition at that time, also supported Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy's nomination. Due to the overwhelming support of all major political parties, he became the first President of India to be elected unanimously.
Contribution as President
As President of India, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy made significant contributions to the country. He was known for his simplicity and down-to-earth nature. During his tenure, he emphasized the need for education, health, and rural development. He also advocated for the upliftment of marginalized communities and the promotion of national integration.
Conclusion
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was a visionary leader who played a significant role in shaping India's political landscape. His election as the first unanimously elected President of India showed that he was a leader who enjoyed the trust and support of all major political parties. His contributions to the country will always be remembered and cherished.
When a constitutional amendment bill is produced before the President...
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy: The First President of India to be Elected Unanimously
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was the sixth President of India who served from 1977 to 1982. He was the first President of India to be elected unanimously by the electoral college comprising members of both the houses of Parliament and state legislators.
Early Life and Political Career
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was born on May 19, 1913, in Andhra Pradesh. He was actively involved in the Indian independence movement and became a member of the Indian National Congress. He held several important positions in the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee and later became the President of the Pradesh Congress Committee.
Reddy was elected to the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) in 1952 and served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1967 to 1977. During his tenure as Speaker, he earned the reputation of being a fair and impartial presiding officer.
Journey to the Presidency
In 1977, the Janata Party came to power after defeating the Congress in the general elections. The Janata Party formed the government with Morarji Desai as the Prime Minister. The party decided to nominate Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy as its candidate for the office of the President of India.
Reddy's nomination was supported by all the opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which had earlier supported the Congress candidate in the previous presidential elections.
In the presidential election held on July 21, 1977, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was elected as the President of India with 100% votes in his favor. He was the first president to be elected unanimously by the electoral college.
Legacy
During his tenure as President, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy made significant contributions to the country's development. He was a staunch advocate of democracy and worked towards strengthening the democratic institutions in the country.
Reddy passed away on June 1, 1996, at the age of 83. He will always be remembered as a great statesman and a true patriot who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.