When VP Singh opened Bofors, Rajiv left power, why do you remember 'Raja Saheb'?

VP Singh Death Anniversary: There have been very few leaders in the political history of India who have seen the pinnacle of power and also paid the price of fighting for power. Vishwanath Pratap Singh, whom the country still remembers as ‘Raja Saheb’, was one such leader. From exposing the truth about the Bofors scam to implementing the Mandal Commission, he is known for decisions that changed the course of Indian politics.

Seventeen years have passed since his death on 27 November 2008, but his influence remains as relevant today. He was the only leader to challenge the immense popularity of Rajiv Gandhi and remove him from power. The impact of the battle he fought on the two major fronts of anti-corruption politics and social justice is still felt today.

Who was VP Singh, how did he become ‘Raja Saheb’?

VP Singh was born on 25 June 1931 in Manda princely state near Allahabad. From the very beginning, his image was that of a simplicity-loving, honest and principled person. His debut in politics was in 1969 when he became an MLA on Congress ticket. After this, he was elected MP in 1971 and gradually emerged as a strong face within the Congress.

VP Singh was born on 25 June 1931 in Manda princely state near Allahabad.

From Uttar Pradesh to Delhi – fast moving journey

VP Singh said-

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
Union Finance Minister
Defense Minister

Like held the responsibility of big posts.

He was counted among the most influential ministers during Rajiv Gandhi’s government at the Centre. But in 1987, a Swedish Radio report created a stir in Indian politics and from there the character of VP Singh changed.

Bofors: When a minister took on his own Prime Minister

Allegations of commission fraud came to light in the Bofors cannon deal.
VP Singh first raised this issue.
Differences with Rajiv Gandhi increased.
Ultimately he left the post of minister.
Bofors became a major reason for the defeat of Congress in the 1989 elections.

This was the turning point when he became a national symbol of the fight against corruption.

Seventh Prime Minister of the country and one of the most controversial decisions

VP Singh became Prime Minister on 2 December 1989. His government lasted for 11 months, but in these 11 months he took such steps which deeply influenced the Indian society.

He was counted among the most influential ministers during Rajiv Gandhi’s government at the Centre.

Big effects of implementing Mandal Commission

27% reservation for OBC category in government jobs.
Rise of backward class politics.
Wave of both protest and support across the country.
Incidents of self-immolation at many places.
Persistent social polarization in Indian politics.

When he announced this decision in the Parliament on 7 August 1990, the same day India’s politics changed forever.

Major milestones in VP Singh’s political career

Year	Event	Importance
1969	first time MLA	political beginning
1984-87	Finance and Defense Minister	nationwide identity
1987	Bofors disclosure	national impact
1989	became prime minister	anti corruption image
1990	Mandal Commission implemented	era of social justice

Gone is the power but did not leave the principles

BJP withdrew support and their government fell on 10 November 1990. But even after leaving power, he neither compromised nor expressed his desire to take any post. After being diagnosed with cancer in 1996, he gradually moved away from politics. He continued to live a quiet life in Delhi and Allahabad. He died on 27 November 2008. His wish was that the funeral should take place without any ostentation and that is exactly what happened.