Sikander Bakht

Sikander Bakht Biography

Sikander Bakht was an Indian politician who has been associated with Indian national congress during the early years, followed by Janata party and Bharatiya Janata Party. Vice President of the BJP, and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha (1992-1996) are the major positions held by him. A parliamentarian, he was elected in 1977 representing Chandni Chowk. He also served as a cabinet minister under veteran leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his tenure as PM. Government of India honoured him with Padma Vibhushan in year 2000. He passed away on 23 February 2004, while serving as the governor of Kerala.

Bakht hailed from Delhi. He was born in 1918. His education was completed from Delhi, and during his academic years, he got involved with politics. He was a hockey player too, who represented Delhi University and Delhi in various tournaments. During his first phase of political journey, he was associated with Indian National Congress. In 1952 he got elected to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. When Congress party split in 1969, he stayed with Congress (Organisation). He got associated with Janata party after the emergency period in 1977, and when BJP was newly formed in the early 1980s he became a member of that party, and stayed with it throughout his life.

Congress-turned-BJP leader, he served many prominent positions within the party. In 1977 he contested the lok Sabha elections for the first time representing Janata Party and got elected. He served as a cabinet minister in Morarji Desai’s government. He handled the portfolios - Works, Housing, Supply and Rehabilitation till 1979. When Bharatiya Janata Party was formed in 1980, he was appointed as General Secretary, and he became its Vice-President in 1984. Till his death, he remained a loyal member to his party.

Published: September 03, 2018

Updated: September 03, 2018