Kalyan Singh was a man who lived by his principles, leaving a significant impact on India’s political and social landscape. A dedicated volunteer, an exemplary worker, a diligent leader, a committed organiser, an ideal Chief Minister, and a Governor who consistently turned his words into action—this is how Kalyan Singh is remembered. His steadfast dedication to his ideals was evident during the Ram Janmabhoomi liberation movement, where he famously declared, “Whether the government stays or goes, the temple will certainly be built.” As a Governor, Singh took numerous steps to inspire rural communities, students, and others toward self-improvement and patriotism, leaving a legacy of service and leadership.
Kalyan Singh was not just a participant in history; he was a history-maker. Born on January 5, 1935, Singh’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his principles. From his early days as a loyal volunteer and dedicated worker to his roles as a steadfast leader and organiser, an exemplary Chief Minister, and a Governor, Singh embodied the qualities of a true statesman. His leadership during the Babri structure demolition in Ayodhya remains one of the most significant moments in Indian history.
When questioned by the Liberhan Commission about his decision not to fire on the kar sevaks on December 6, 1992, Singh did not waver. “Yes,” he affirmed, “I have always said that I take full responsibility for the events that occurred in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. I had instructed that no shots be fired at the kar sevaks.” At the time, Kalyan Singh was serving as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh when the Babri structure was demolished. Following the demolition, Singh resigned from his position, but the central government dismissed him before accepting his resignation. His decision to protect the kar sevaks, even at the cost of his political career, made him one of the most talked-about leaders in the country. Kalyan Singh passed away on August 21, 2021, but his legacy continues to inspire.
The Ram Janmabhoomi issue was a defining moment in Kalyan Singh’s political career. In 1991, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in Uttar Pradesh, with Kalyan Singh at the helm as Chief Minister. He quickly established himself as a prominent national leader, vowing to make Uttar Pradesh crime-free and remove the obstacles hindering the Ram Janmabhoomi area. His first significant move was to hand over non-disputed land to the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, granting 42 acres on a perpetual lease and acquiring an additional 2.77 acres. However, his actions soon drew the ire of the central government, which began challenging his administration. When the disputed land was levelled, and 42 acres were handed over to the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, then Home Minister Shankarrao Chavan demanded a report on the matter.
Chavan also warned that if the Uttar Pradesh government did not comply with the central government’s directives, it could be dismissed under Article 356. Tensions between the central and state governments escalated, with Kalyan Singh boldly declaring, “Whether the government stays or goes, the temple will certainly be built. The Home Minister’s threat makes it clear that the issue of Ram Mandir construction has now become a question of people’s mandate versus Article 356. Between the government and the temple, the temple will be chosen.” Singh’s determination was clear. He argued that the 42 acres of land handed over to the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust was entirely non-disputed, and the High Court had upheld the legality of acquiring the additional 2.77 acres. On November 2, 1991, the Uttar Pradesh government took possession of the acquired land, compensating the landowners and removing buildings with their consent. “What is happening in Ayodhya is lawful,” Singh asserted, standing firm against mounting pressure.
As December 1992 began, Ayodhya had transformed into a camp for kar sevaks, with the air thick with anticipation. On December 3, Home Minister Shankarrao Chavan announced in the Lok Sabha that a plan had been devised to deal with any situation. Two days later, on December 4, Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh stated, “The central government is closely monitoring the activities in Ayodhya and is ready to take all necessary steps to uphold the dignity of the Constitution and the judiciary.” But the situation in Ayodhya was different. Kar sevaks were everywhere, with the entire city brimming with fervour. By December 6, hundreds of kar sevaks were actively involved in demolishing the Babri structure, with around 5,000 cheering them on and nearly 200,000 silently watching the event unfold. Armed policemen left the Babri structure without taking any action, and judicial observers, seeing the situation, returned to report. Officials stood by, watching the events unfold.
Kalyan Singh’s orders not to fire under any circumstances saved Ayodhya from a potential bloodbath, but the structure was demolished. Afterwards, Kalyan Singh, true to his word, took full responsibility for the incident, cementing his place in history as a leader who stood by his principles, regardless of the consequences.
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