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Deputy Prime Minister of India facts for kids

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The Deputy Prime Minister of India is a very important role in the Government of India. Even though it's not a position mentioned directly in the country's main rulebook (the Constitution), the person holding this job is the second-highest-ranking minister. They are a senior member of the group of ministers who help the Prime Minister run the country. If the Prime Minister is away, the Deputy Prime Minister steps in to help.

Quick facts for kids
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of India
Flag of India.svg
Emblem of India.svg
Incumbent
Vacant

since 23 May 2004
Government of India
Style
Member of
Reports to
Nominator Prime Minister of India
Appointer President of India
Formation 15 August 1947; 77 years ago (1947-08-15)
First holder Vallabhbhai Patel
Final holder L. K. Advani

This position has not always been filled. In fact, it has only been used for about 10 years since India became independent 75 years ago. Since 1950, India has had 8 Deputy Prime Ministers. None of them served a full five-year term.

The very first Deputy Prime Minister was Vallabhbhai Patel from the Indian National Congress party. He started his role on August 15, 1947, the day India gained freedom from British rule. Patel served until he passed away in December 1950, making him the longest-serving Deputy Prime Minister.

After Patel, the position was empty for a long time. Then, Morarji Desai became the second Deputy Prime Minister in 1967. Both Morarji Desai and Charan Singh later went on to become Prime Ministers of India. Jagjivan Ram and Yashwantrao Chavan also served as Deputy Prime Ministers one after the other. Devi Lal is special because he was Deputy Prime Minister for two different political parties. The last person to hold this job was Lal Krishna Advani.

Currently, there is no Deputy Prime Minister in the Indian government. The position has been vacant since May 23, 2004.

Who Were India's Deputy Prime Ministers?

Here is a list of the people who have served as Deputy Prime Minister of India:

  • Vallabhbhai Patel (1947–1950)
    • He was also the Minister of Home Affairs.
  • Morarji Desai (1967–1969)
    • He also served as the Minister of Finance.
  • Charan Singh (1979)
    • He was also the Minister of Finance.
  • Jagjivan Ram (1979)
    • He also served as the Minister of Defence.
  • Yashwantrao Chavan (1979–1980)
    • He was also the Minister of Home Affairs.
  • Devi Lal (1989–1990 and 1990–1991)
    • He served twice and was also the Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Tourism.
  • Lal Krishna Advani (2002–2004)
    • He was also the Minister of Home Affairs.

How Long Did They Serve?

Here's how long each Deputy Prime Minister served:

No. Name Party Length of Term
1 Vallabhbhai Patel INC 3 years, 122 days
2 Morarji Desai INC 2 years, 128 days
3 Lal Krishna Advani BJP 1 year, 328 days
4 Devi Lal JD/SJP(R) 1 year (total of two terms)
5 Jagjivan Ram JP 185 days
6 Charan Singh JP 173 days
7 Yashwantrao Chavan INC(U) 170 days

Timeline of the Deputy Prime Minister's Role

This timeline shows when the Deputy Prime Minister's position was active and when it was vacant.

Lal Krishna Advani Devi Lal Yashwantrao Chavan Jagjivan Ram Charan Singh Morarji Desai Vallabhbhai Patel

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