New Delhi, May 29 (H.S.): Leaders across the country on Friday paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister, eminent farmer leader, freedom fighter, and social reformer Chaudhary Charan Singh on his death anniversary. The Vice President, Lok Sabha Speaker, Union ministers, Chief Ministers of various states, and leaders from several political parties remembered his immense contribution to farmers’ welfare, rural development, and social justice.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, in a tribute message shared on social media platform X, said that Chaudhary Charan Singh was not merely a politician but a visionary leader who deeply understood the soul of rural India. He dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of farmers, labourers, and agrarian society. The Vice President said that his efforts toward social justice, rural development, and empowering farming communities would always remain a source of inspiration.

Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, said in his message that Chaudhary Charan Singh’s life symbolised an enduring struggle for the welfare of villages and farmers. He stated that his historic role in protecting farmers’ rights, strengthening the rural economy, and ensuring dignity for the underprivileged sections of society would always be remembered with gratitude.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah paid homage to Chaudhary Charan Singh and said that he played a crucial role in safeguarding democratic values from the freedom movement to the Emergency era. Amit Shah noted that Chaudhary Charan Singh strengthened the concept of an agriculture-based economy and prosperous farmers, which remains highly relevant to the country’s development even today. He added that his simplicity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to farmers would continue to inspire future generations.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Chaudhary Charan Singh as a true mass leader of Indian politics and said that his struggle for the dignity and rights of farmers would always be remembered. He added that landmark initiatives such as the abolition of the zamindari system and land reforms gave a new direction to rural Indian society. Rajnath Singh further said that Chaudhary Charan Singh was also a serious thinker and writer who brought the issues of agriculture and rural India into national discourse through his writings and ideas.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Chaudhary Charan Singh possessed deep compassion for the development of villages, the poor, and farmers. He believed that India’s true prosperity lay in its villages and farmlands. Shivraj Singh Chouhan added that Chaudhary Charan Singh’s thoughts remain highly relevant in the vision of building a developed and self-reliant India, and his life would continue to inspire efforts toward farmers’ welfare and rural development.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Chaudhary Charan Singh dedicated his life to the dignity and self-respect of farmers. He remarked that his struggle continues to inspire the nation in honouring the “annadata” and realising the vision of a prosperous India.

Nitin, National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, also paid tribute and said that Chaudhary Charan Singh’s contribution to Indian agriculture, rural development, and farmers’ welfare would always remain unforgettable. He noted that Chaudhary Charan Singh brought farmers’ issues to the centre of national politics.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the historic decisions and welfare-oriented policies introduced by Chaudhary Charan Singh continue to guide policymakers even today. She stated that his contribution to nation-building and the development of rural India would always remain unparalleled.

Arvind Kejriwal, national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister and said that Chaudhary Charan Singh was a true protector of farmers’ rights. He added that his efforts toward rural development and farmer empowerment would always be remembered.

Notably, Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902–1987) served as India’s fifth Prime Minister and is regarded as one of the country’s most distinguished farmer leaders. He is often referred to as the “Messiah of Farmers” in Indian politics. He devoted his entire life to strengthening the rural economy, land reforms, and farmers’ rights. His birth anniversary, observed on December 23, is celebrated as National Farmers' Day.

Chaudhary Charan Singh’s political and social legacy continues to serve as a source of inspiration for farmers and rural communities across the country. His policies and ideas still remain guiding principles for India’s agricultural system and rural development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar