Mohan Lal Sukhadia

Mohan Lal Sukhadia Biography

Mohan Lal Sukhadia was an eminent politician from Rajasthan who served as state’s Chief Minister for long 17 years (1954–1971). An influential leader in the post-independent India, he played a significant role in bringing great reforms and developments to Rajasthan, and known as the "founder of modern Rajasthan". He was associated with Indian National Congress. After retirement from active politics he served as the Governor of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Sukhadia's government passed Rajasthan Zamindari and Biswedari Abolition Act in 1959 which abolished Zamindari system of holding of land by landlords and transferred the title of land to the holding tenants.

Mohan Lal Sukhadia was born on 31 July 1916 in Jhalawar, Rajasthan. His father, Purshottam Lal Sukhadia, was a well-known domestic cricketer. Mohan lal completed diploma in electrical engineering from VJTI, Mumbai before he became active in politics. He was associated with students’ politics since college days, and regularly attended meetings of Congress workers. He came into contact with prominent Indian leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel while at college. He got married in 1938. He married Indubala, belonging to another community which was not common those days. She later became a prominent leader and became Member of Parliament from Udaipur constituency in 1984.

He participated in Quit India Movement and played a significant role in channelizing the efforts taken by Rajasthani leaders. Following Indian independence when Rajasthan Congress was started in 1946, he served as an Executive Committee of Prantiya Sabha. Sukhadia took over as Chief Minister in 1954. To implement Land reforms started by Jawaharlal Nehru was his prime agenda, which he succeeded. He served as the chief minister of Rajasthan for long 17 years. Apart from the abolition of Zamindari system, he also gave some significant contributions in the development of health and education sector.

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Updated: June 19, 2016