January 11, 2024, marks the 58th anniversary of the death of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Beyond his prime ministership, Shastri’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.
Shastri’s tenure as Prime Minister left an indelible mark on the nation. His iconic phrase, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” exemplified his ability to boost the morale and unity of the Indian people. Amidst the celebrated moments, an often-overlooked aspect of Shastri’s leadership involves his resignation from the prime ministership—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 Pioneer’s editorial highlighted the rarity of accidents and Shastri’s selfless approach.
Despite appeals from thirty MPs arguing that Shastri wasn’t personally responsible for the accidents, Shastri had his way. Nehru forwarded the resignation to the president for acceptance, showcasing Shastri’s unwavering commitment to accountability and ethical governance.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
