Suraj Bhan, Politician
Politician

Suraj Bhan

Born 1 October 1928 · Haryana

Died 6 August 2006

Elected four times to Lok Sabha from Ambala and served as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha (1996-1997).

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Suraj Bhan was an Indian politician who was elected to the Lok Sabha, Indian lower house of parliament, for four terms from Ambala. He also served as the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha from July 1996 to December 1997. He served as governor of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar.

✨ A detail that surprised us

Suraj Bhan dropped his last name 'Banswal' after joining active politics, a rare move among Indian politicians reflecting a strategic identity choice.

1. In 1967, Suraj Bhan was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Ambala, Haryana, marking the start of a political career that spanned four terms representing the same constituency.

2. 🌾 Between 1987 and 1989, he served as Revenue Minister in Haryana under Chief Minister Devi Lal, playing a key role in state-level governance during a politically turbulent period.

3. In July 1996, Suraj Bhan became Deputy Speaker of the 11th Lok Sabha, holding office until December 1997, a role that placed him at the heart of parliamentary procedure during the United Front government.

4. 🏛️ From April 1998 to November 2000, he was Governor of Uttar Pradesh, overseeing one of India's most politically complex states during a period of coalition governments.

5. He also served as Governor of Himachal Pradesh (Nov 2000 - May 2003) and officiated as Governor of Bihar in 1999, managing gubernatorial responsibilities across three different states.

6. 🎓 Before politics, Suraj Bhan studied MA and LLB at Punjab University and Kurukshetra University and was a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteer, indicating his ideological roots.

7. In 2004, he was appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, a position he held until his death in 2006, highlighting his engagement with social justice issues.

8. ❓ What motivated Suraj Bhan to transition from active parliamentary politics to gubernatorial roles and later to champion the SC/ST commission, especially in the politically charged climate of early 2000s India?

Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

Suraj Bhan served as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha from July 1996 to December 1997 during the United Front government, a period marked by fragile alliances and intense parliamentary challenges.

🖼️ Through the Years

Suraj Bhan addressing the Press on Scheduled Castes empowerment in New Delhi (2004).
Suraj Bhan addressing the Press on Scheduled Castes empowerment in New Delhi (2004).
2004
Suraj Bhan briefing the Press on reservation issues with Kanwar Singh in New Delhi (2004).
Suraj Bhan briefing the Press on reservation issues with Kanwar Singh in New Delhi (2004).
2004
Suraj Bhan briefing media on Reservation Bill in New Delhi (2005).
Suraj Bhan briefing media on Reservation Bill in New Delhi (2005).
2005
Suraj Bhan briefing the Press on Scheduled Castes status in New Delhi (2005).
Suraj Bhan briefing the Press on Scheduled Castes status in New Delhi (2005).
2005
Suraj Bhan presenting the Commission's report to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi (2006).
Suraj Bhan presenting the Commission's report to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi (2006).
2006
Suraj Bhan, Former Governor of Himachal Pradesh, portrait photograph (2004).
Suraj Bhan, Former Governor of Himachal Pradesh, portrait photograph (2004).
2004

📅 The Journey

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Born in Mehlanwali, Haryana

Suraj Bhan was born in Mehlanwali village in Yamuna Nagar district of Haryana.

Wikipedia

Elected to Lok Sabha from Ambala

He was first elected to the 4th Lok Sabha representing Ambala constituency in Haryana.

Became Revenue Minister of Haryana

Served as Revenue Minister in Devi Lal's Haryana government from 1987 to 1989.

Appointed Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Held the position of Deputy Speaker during the 11th Lok Sabha from July 1996 to December 1997.

Became Governor of Uttar Pradesh

Took oath as Governor of Uttar Pradesh, serving till November 2000.

Appointed Chairman of SC/ST Commission

Appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

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Passed away in New Delhi

Died of cardiac arrest while serving as Chairman of SC/ST Commission at age 77.

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1928Birth
1967
1987
1996
1998
2004
2006

🗝️ Discoveries

🏆

He was Governor of three different states: Uttar Pradesh (1998-2000), Himachal Pradesh (2000-2003), and briefly Bihar in 1999, a rare instance of one politician holding multiple gubernatorial posts in quick succession.

Source: Wikipedia

🔍

Suraj Bhan started his public life as a volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh before entering mainstream politics with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, illustrating his long-standing ideological commitment.

Source: Wikipedia

👤

Despite his political career, Suraj Bhan held MA and LLB degrees from Punjab University and Kurukshetra University, highlighting a blend of academic and political pursuits.

Source: Wikipedia

💡

In 2002, Suraj Bhan was a contender for the Vice-President of India post, with unofficial support from senior Congress Dalit leaders despite his BJP background, reflecting his cross-party respect.

Source: Wikipedia

🌏

He died in office as Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in 2006, underscoring his lifelong engagement with social justice for marginalized communities.

Source: Wikipedia

🎥 Speeches & Recordings

Surajbhan Singh Interview : सूरजभान सिंह का विस्फोटक इंटरव्यू | Anant Singh | Bihar Election | N18V

An exclusive and explosive interview with Surajbhan Singh discussing Bihar elections and political dynamics.

YouTube

Mokama में Dularchand की हत्या, Anant Singh के आरोपों पर Surajbhan Singh क्या बता गए?

Surajbhan Singh responds to serious allegations in an exclusive interview about a high-profile murder case in Mokama.

YouTube

📖 Curated Sources

🌱 What changed because of them

Suraj Bhan's political career bridged grassroots politics in Haryana with constitutional roles as Governor across multiple states, impacting administrative governance during unstable coalition eras. His tenure as Chairman of the SC/ST Commission brought focused attention to caste-based inequalities at a national policy level. By navigating diverse political roles, he helped shape BJP's organizational strength in Haryana and influenced social justice discourse at the national stage.

💬 Social Buzz

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