Narayan Datt Tiwari, popularly known as N. D. Tiwari, was an Indian politician with a long and influential career. He was the only leader to have served as the Chief Minister of two states, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. He was also a Union Minister and the Governor of Andhra Pradesh. His political journey saw many ups and downs, making him one of the most discussed politicians in Indian history.
Early Life and Education
N. D. Tiwari was born on 18 October 1925 in Baluti, Nainital district, in present-day Uttarakhand. His father, Poornanand Tiwari, was a government officer who later joined the Indian independence movement. Influenced by his father, young Tiwari also took part in the struggle against British rule.
In 1942, he was arrested for participating in protests against British rule. After spending 15 months in jail, he resumed his studies. He completed his Master’s degree in Political Science and later earned an LLB from Allahabad University. He also served as the President of the Allahabad University Students’ Union.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Tiwari’s political career began when he was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1952 as a member of the Praja Socialist Party. Later, in 1963, he joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and quickly rose through the ranks.
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
Tiwari served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh three times:
- January 1976 – April 1977
- August 1984 – September 1985
- June 1988 – December 1989
He was known for his focus on industrial development and economic reforms. He played a key role in bringing investments to Uttar Pradesh and improving infrastructure.
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
In 2002, after the formation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, Tiwari became its third Chief Minister. He served until 2007. His tenure saw rapid economic growth, industrialization, and infrastructural development in the newly formed state.
Role in Central Government
Apart from being a state leader, Tiwari held important positions in the Union Government under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi:
- Minister of External Affairs (1986-1987)
- Minister of Finance (1987-1988)
As Finance Minister, he worked on economic policies that promoted growth and stability in the country.
Governor of Andhra Pradesh
In 2007, he was appointed as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh. However, he resigned in 2009 due to health issues and controversies.
Controversies
Despite his long political career, Tiwari faced controversies. In 2008, a paternity suit was filed against him by Rohit Shekhar, who claimed to be his son. After years of legal battles, DNA tests confirmed that Rohit Shekhar was indeed his biological son.
In 2009, a scandal involving Tiwari surfaced, leading to his resignation as Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
Later Life and Death
In his later years, Tiwari distanced himself from active politics. In 2017, he surprised many by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On 18 October 2018, N. D. Tiwari passed away at the age of 93 due to multiple organ failure in New Delhi. Interestingly, he died on his 93rd birthday.
Legacy
Despite the controversies, N. D. Tiwari remains an important figure in Indian politics. His contributions to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and national politics are significant. He played a key role in economic reforms, industrialization, and governance.
N. D. Tiwari’s political journey was full of achievements and challenges. From being a freedom fighter to serving as Chief Minister of two states, he left a lasting impact on Indian politics. His career is a mix of success, leadership, and controversies, making him a figure of great interest in Indian history.
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