New Delhi, Ap 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar on his birth anniversary, marking the start of the late leader’s centenary year.

PM Modi described Chandra Shekhar as a mass leader known for his courage, strong convictions, and unwavering commitment to democratic values. He highlighted the former Prime Minister’s simplicity, clarity in public life, and sensitivity to the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

Recalling his personal interactions with Chandra Shekhar, PM Modi urged young Indians to learn more about his contributions to the nation. In a post on X, he wrote, “Tributes to former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar Ji on his birth anniversary. This year marks the start of his 100th birth anniversary and is a time to reiterate our commitment to realizing his vision for a prosperous and just India.”

Born on April 17, 1927, Chandra Shekhar served as India’s eighth Prime Minister from November 1990 to June 1991, leading a Janata Dal faction with outside support from the Congress. Known as a firebrand idealist with revolutionary fervor, he was drawn to politics during his student days and became actively involved in the Socialist Movement after completing his Master’s in Political Science from Allahabad University.

Shekhar began his political journey as Secretary of the District Praja Socialist Party in Ballia and quickly rose to become General Secretary of the UP State Praja Socialist Party. In 1962, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh and later joined the Indian National Congress in 1965, becoming General Secretary of the Congress Parliamentary Party in 1967.