The political atmosphere in Delhi is abuzz. Where once formidable leaders ruled Delhi's political landscape, they now remain largely anonymous. However, there are personas that have stood the test of time. In this special series, let's dive into the tenure of Sardar Gurmukh Nihal Singh, Delhi's second Chief Minister. During his tenure, Delhi transitioned into a Union Territory and the Assembly was dissolved. For 36 subsequent years, the city saw no Chief Minister. Gurmukh assumed office in 1955 and sparked debate by instituting prohibition, a move that even drew the attention of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
In 1952, Delhi was declared a Part-C state of the Indian Union. Following elections, the Congress clinched 39 seats, securing a majority. They named Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Yadav as the first Chief Minister. Sardar Gurmukh Nihal Singh was appointed Speaker in this government. However, nearly three years later, Chaudhary had to vacate the CM's chair, paving the way for Gurmukh Nihal Singh to be appointed as Delhi's second Chief Minister.
Gurmukh's First Foray into Elections in 1952
Gurmukh Nihal Singh took oath as the Chief Minister on February 12, 1955, holding the position until October 31, 1956. His tenure lasted precisely 1 year and 262 days. During the 1952 elections, Gurmukh contested for the first time and emerged victorious. It was said that he was very close to Congress stalwart Govind Ballabh Pant, at whose behest he entered the electoral arena.
From London Studies to a Career in Delhi
Gurmukh Nihal Singh was born on March 14, 1895, in undivided Punjab. He pursued his B.Sc. (Economics) from London University. In 1920, he was appointed as a lecturer of Economics and Political Science at Banaras Hindu University and was later promoted to Dean of the Arts Faculty. From 1939 to 1943, he served at H.L. Commerce Degree College, Ahmedabad, then at Delhi's Ramjas College from 1943 to 1949, and in January 1950, he became principal of Shri Ram College in Delhi. Subsequently, he transitioned into politics.
The CM Journey of Gurmukh Nihal Singh
In 1952, Delhi had an interim assembly with a total of 42 seats, although six constituencies were two-member seats, making the election yield 48 elected members. A majority required at least 25 elected members. Congress won 39 seats, and it was decided that Deshbandhu Gupta would be the next chief minister. However, just before taking the oath, Gupta tragically perished in a plane crash. The first general elections had already taken place by then and Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister. Nehru nominated Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Yadav as CM. Gurmukh was appointed as the Speaker in this government.
At that time, Delhi’s head of state remained the Chief Commissioner as there was no provision for a Lieutenant Governor. The State Reorganization Act of 1951 (Part-C) mandated a council of ministers and a Chief Minister in Delhi, who would aid and advise the Chief Commissioner in daily operations.
Brahm Prakash: Delhi's First CM
Chaudhary Brahm Prakash was regarded as a spirited leader, rooted in grassroots politics. Known for his slightly abrasive demeanor, he was not favored by the then Central Home Minister, Govind Ballabh Pant, who exerted significant influence in Delhi. A conflict ensued between Brahm Prakash and Anand Pandit, the Chief Commissioner appointed by the President, and a close associate of Nehru. Anand and Brahm Prakash frequently clashed over decisions, adding tension to their working relationship.
Gurmukh’s Advantageous Proximity to Pant
Chaudhary Brahm Prakash's tenure became increasingly challenging for Congress due to internal dynamics. Eventually, on February 12, 1955, the party claimed Brahm Prakash's resignation and chose to elevate Gurmukh Nihal Singh as the new Chief Minister, further endorsed by Pant's endorsement. On February 13, Nihal stepped into the role of Delhi's CM.
Source: aajtak
Nehru's Letter Due to Prohibition Policy
Surendra Nihal Singh, Gurmukh's son and journalist, details in his book 'Ink in My Veins,' that upon becoming Chief Minister, Gurmukh implemented prohibition in Delhi, sparking discontent across the national capital. Even within the party, murmurs grew. The controversy reached Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who, on July 26, 1956, addressed a letter to Gurmukh. Nehru's letter stated, 'Our Health Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur has informed me about the prohibition policy in Delhi. I am not fully versed on the matter. We support prohibition, but it poses risks, potentially escalating illegal liquor production and smuggling. Such policies can be more dangerous than the ailments they aim to cure. Health Minister notes that illegal liquor trade has sprouted in some areas. I hope your government pays heed to these concerns.'
Stubborn on Prohibition
Nehru's letter became a talking point, yet Gurmukh Nihal Singh stood by his decision. The party divided into factions - one supporting him, the other opposing. The book mentions Congress leader Morarji Desai in favor of enforcing prohibition. Speculations swirled that Gurmukh resorted to prohibition out of frustration with his son's drinking habits.
After relinquishing the Delhi Chief Minister's seat, Gurmukh was appointed the first Governor of Rajasthan on November 1, following the implementation of the State Reorganization Commission's recommendations and the dissolution of the Delhi Assembly. He remained just until the assembly's dissolution.
Elections Return to Delhi After 41 Years
In 1956, the post of Chief Minister was abolished as Delhi was converted into a Union Territory and administrative arrangements shifted to a Lieutenant Governor’s governance. Later, in 1966, the Delhi Metropolitan Council was established. From 1956 to 1993, Delhi was under direct central government rule, without a Chief Minister's role. Although institutions like the Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Metropolitan Council were formed, assembly elections resumed after 41 years in 1993, leading to a BJP victory, with Madan Lal Khurana taking oath as Chief Minister on December 2.
What Made Gurmukh Pant’s Choice?
Gurmukh's academic tenure saw him as a member and chairman of several significant committees across various universities in India, including Banaras, Allahabad, Lucknow, and Delhi, and he authored numerous books on political science. Govind Ballabh Pant was notably impressed by his educational prowess. Pant believed this experienced academician would not just be a good orator but would instill discipline within the party, not sparing errant and troublesome leaders. Pant not only convinced Gurmukh to enter politics and contest elections but elevated him to Speaker, then Chief Minister, and later Governor. He held the gubernatorial role until April 15, 1962.
