Modi Pays Tribute to Chandra Shekhar on His 100th Birth Anniversary, Hails His Legacy of Courage and Democracy

New Delhi, April 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar on the occasion marking the beginning of his 100th birth anniversary year, remembering him as a courageous mass leader deeply committed to democratic values and the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Taking to social media platform X, Modi said that the milestone anniversary offers an opportunity to renew the nation’s commitment to Chandra Shekhar’s vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and just India. He described the late leader as someone who combined courage, conviction, and clarity in public life, while remaining firmly grounded in India’s socio-political realities.

The Prime Minister also recalled his personal interactions with Chandra Shekhar, noting that those exchanges left a lasting impression on him. He urged India’s youth to learn more about the former Prime Minister’s ideas, struggles, and contributions to nation-building, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary times.

Born on April 17, 1927, in Ibrahimpatti village in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district, Chandra Shekhar came from a farming background and rose to become one of India’s most prominent political figures. His early political journey began during his student years, when he developed a strong inclination toward socialist ideology. After completing his Master’s degree in Political Science from Allahabad University, he joined the socialist movement and worked closely with noted thinker Acharya Narendra Dev.

He started his political career as Secretary of the District Praja Socialist Party in Ballia and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Joint Secretary at the state level and later General Secretary. His leadership qualities and grassroots connect soon brought him national prominence.

In 1962, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh, marking his entry into national politics. He later joined the Indian National Congress in 1965 and served as General Secretary of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Known for his bold and outspoken nature, Chandra Shekhar consistently raised his voice for the marginalized and advocated policies aimed at social transformation.

His criticism of economic inequalities and concentration of wealth often put him at odds with powerful interests. During the The Emergency declared in 1975, he was arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, despite being part of the ruling establishment—an episode that underscored his independent political stance.

One of the most defining moments of his life was his nationwide padayatra in 1983. Covering nearly 4,260 kilometres from Kanyakumari to Rajghat, the journey was aimed at reconnecting with the masses and understanding grassroots issues firsthand. This effort further strengthened his reputation as a leader committed to people-centric politics.

To sustain grassroots engagement, he established Bharat Yatra Centres across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. These centres focused on training social and political workers and promoting development in backward regions.

Chandra Shekhar served as Prime Minister of India from 1990 to 1991 and remains remembered for his simplicity, integrity, and unwavering dedication to democratic ideals. His legacy continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike, particularly in an era where inclusive growth and social justice remain central to national discourse.