Who is the first acting Prime Minister of India?
Gulzarilal Nanda
Since 1947, India has had fourteen Prime Ministers, fifteen including Gulzarilal Nanda who twice acted in the role. The first was Jawaharlal Nehru of the Indian National Congress party, who was sworn-in on 15 August 1947, when India gained independence from the British.
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Who is the first acting Prime Minister of India?
The first acting Prime Minister of India was Gulzarilal Nanda. He served as the acting Prime Minister on two occasions, following the deaths of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964 and Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966.
Gulzarilal Nanda's Early Life and Political Career
- Gulzarilal Nanda was born on July 4, 1898, in Sialkot, Punjab (now in Pakistan).
- He completed his education in Lahore and later moved to Allahabad to pursue a degree in economics.
- Nanda actively participated in the Indian independence movement and joined the Indian National Congress.
- He was a close associate of Jawaharlal Nehru and played an important role in the formation of the interim government after India gained independence in 1947.
- Nanda held various ministerial positions in the government, including the Minister of Planning and Development.
Acting Prime Minister after Nehru's Death
- On May 27, 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, passed away.
- Following Nehru's death, Gulzarilal Nanda was appointed as the acting Prime Minister.
- He held the position for 13 days until the Congress Party elected Lal Bahadur Shastri as the new Prime Minister.
Acting Prime Minister after Shastri's Death
- On January 11, 1966, Lal Bahadur Shastri died suddenly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- Once again, Gulzarilal Nanda was chosen as the acting Prime Minister.
- He served as the acting Prime Minister for 13 days until Indira Gandhi, the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as the new Prime Minister.
Contributions and Legacy
- As the acting Prime Minister, Gulzarilal Nanda focused on maintaining stability and continuity in the government.
- He played a crucial role in the smooth transition of power after the deaths of Nehru and Shastri.
- Nanda's dedication and leadership during these challenging times earned him respect and admiration from both his political colleagues and the public.
- After Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister, Nanda continued to serve in her cabinet as the Minister of Home Affairs.
- Gulzarilal Nanda's contributions to India's political landscape and his role as the acting Prime Minister during critical periods in the country's history are widely recognized and remembered.
Who is the first acting Prime Minister of India?
Gulzarilal Nanda
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