Raj Narain

Raj Narain Biography

Raj Narain, fondly called 'Lok Bandhu’ was an Indian politician belonging to Janata Party. He is better known as the candidate of Janatha Dal in Rae Bareli constituency in 1977 who defeated Indira Gandhi, ruling Prime Minister of India then. It was soon after Emergency period of India and Congress faced a defeat from their favourite constituency. He owns the unique credit of being the only politician who could defeat the most powerful female politician of the country, Indira Gandhi, though he was accepted the defeat from her in 1971 elections. He even accused Indira Gandhi of election fraud and filed an election petition against her. He was the Minister of Health during Morarji Desai's ministry. His association with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia is well known and has played a significant role in socialist movement along with this leader.

Raj Narain was born in 1917 in Motikoat, Gangapur in Varanasi. He completed Master of Arts and LLB. He was directly associated with the royal family of Varanasi. He was a member of Socialist Party and has held many party positions. He actively participated in Quit India Movement in 1942 and was President of Student Congress during this time. He has spent nearly 17 years in jail of which 14 years of imprisonment happened during congress rule.

He was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1952 where he served as the Opposition minister. He was re-elected in 1957 and continued till 1962. He has also been a member of Rajya Sabha for three terms - from 1966 to 1972 and from 1974 to 1976. After his win over Indira Gandhi in 1977 Lok Sabha elections, he joined Morarji Desai's cabinet as Health minister and served the post till 1980. He passed away in 1986.

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Updated: May 07, 2014