From Freedom Fighter to Politics: Learn About Delhi’s First Chief Minister

Delhi has been the heart of India for centuries. It was declared as the capital for the first time in the year 1911 which was way before the nation gained independence. This city has been rebuilt several times and has witnessed major shifts be it political or geographical. 

When we talk in political terms then Delhi is a Union Territory and that is why, the Lieutenant Governor is the de jure head of the National Capital Territory of Delhi as per the Constitution of India. 

The term “de jure” means ‘by law’ which simply translates that the head of NCT of Delhi by law is the Lieutenant Governor and their executive power is limited. That is where the Chief Minister of Delhi comes into play. 

While the Union Territories across India don’t directly have a Chief Minister, three of them have been granted a special status. 

The Chief Minister of Delhi is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Lieutenant Governor. Long before Delhi became the political powerhouse and an important hub for the government, there was a man who took charge as the first Chief Minister of Delhi. 

Before he became the CM, he participated actively in the freedom struggle of India and was imprisoned four times. Let’s learn more about who was the first Chief Minister of Delhi. 

Who Was the First Chief Minister of Delhi?

Chaudhary Brahm Prakash was the first Chief Minister of Delhi. He took the post on 17 March 1952 at the age of 34 years when Delhi was given a legislative assembly. 

He also had a nickname which was Sher-e-Delhi which was given to him due to his contributions during the freedom struggle as well as his deep connection with people of Delhi. He served the office till 12 February 1955 and his total tenure was of 2 years, 332 days.

Early Life of Brahm Prakash

Chaudhary Brahm Prakash was born on 16 June 1918 to a famous landlord Bhagwan Das in Shakurpur area of Delhi. In 1940, he joined the Individual Satyagraha Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi. He was also quite involved in various activities during the Quit India Movement and was imprisoned four times during 1941 to 1945. 

Post Independence Life of Brahm Prakash

After the independence of India, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash first served as the president of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee and helped the capital to shift into democratic governance. The first legislative assembly elections were held in 1952 and Brahm Prakash won with a major support of the working class. 

It was March 17 1952 when he took the post of the Chief Minister of Delhi and he helped in development and post-partition rehabilitation. He was chosen by Jawaharlal Nehru to lead Delhi. 

Major Contributions of Chaudhary Brahm Prakash

Apart from forming the first government in Delhi, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash made significant contributions: 

• Helped rehabilitate the refugees of the partition. 

• Under his leadership the Delhi Land Reforms Act was passed in 1954

• Helped establish a working structure between the state government and central government. 

• Also served as the Union Cabinet Minister for Food, Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives. 

• Chaudhary Brahm Prakash also organised the National Union of Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Minorities in 1977 to offer welfare to the weaker sections.