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Remembering Lal Bahadur Shastri: Indiaโ€™s Second PM

January 11, 2024, marks the 58th anniversary of the death of Indiaโ€™s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Beyond his prime ministership, Shastriโ€™s political journey encompassed various significant roles. Starting as the UP Parliament secretary post-independence, he later assumed responsibilities in the ministries of transport and police.

Shastriโ€™s tenure as Prime Minister left an indelible mark on the nation. His iconic phrase, โ€œJai Jawan, Jai Kisan,โ€ exemplified his ability to boost the morale and unity of the Indian people. Amidst the celebrated moments, an often-overlooked aspect of Shastriโ€™s leadership involves his resignation from the prime ministershipโ€”twice.

In August 1956, a major railway accident in Mahbubnagar, Andhra Pradesh, claimed 112 lives. Taking moral responsibility, Shastri submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Nehru, who convinced him to withdraw it. A few months later, another railway tragedy occurred in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, resulting in 144 deaths. Shastri promptly offered his resignation again, attracting nationwide attention. The Pioneerโ€™s editorial highlighted the rarity of accidents and Shastriโ€™s selfless approach.

Despite appeals from thirty MPs arguing that Shastri wasnโ€™t personally responsible for the accidents, Shastri had his way. Nehru forwarded the resignation to the president for acceptance, showcasing Shastriโ€™s unwavering commitment to accountability and ethical governance.

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