New Delhi: On August 16, 2018, Atal Bihari Vajpayee took his last breath. He was a prominent Indian politician and renowned poet who served as Prime Minister of India for three nonconsecutive terms. His initial term lasted for a brief 13 days in 1996, followed by 13 months from 1998 to 1999 and then a complete term from 1999 to 2004.
He was a significant figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), not just as a leader but as one of its co-founders, a role that underscored his influence and leadership. Beyond his political career, Vajpayee was recognised as a talented Hindi poet and a prolific writer.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Death Anniversary: When the former Prime Minister took a bullock cart ride to Parliament
On November 12 1973, a memorable incident took place when Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a prominent leader of the Jan Sangh (later became the BJP), arrived at the Parliament along with two other members using a traditional bullock cart, making a unique and impactful arrival.
Additionally, many others travelled to the Parliament on bicycles that day. This remarkable event occurred during the commencement of the six-week-long winter session of the Parliament.
The opposition parties were highly agitated by the significant surge in petrol and diesel prices and voiced their opposition in various ways. However, Vajpayee’s response was particularly noteworthy and unexpected. His dissent caught many off guard.
When Prime Minister Indira Gandhi arrived at the Parliament, she faced fierce criticism from the opposition parties, whose leaders also demanded her resignation.
During that period, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other opposition leaders vehemently protested Indira Gandhi’s use of a carriage for travel, citing the country’s severe shortage of petrol and diesel.
Despite the scarcity, Indira Gandhi insisted on travelling in a carriage as a symbolic gesture to emphasise the necessity of saving petrol for the people.
The “bullock cart protest” led by Vajpayee garnered significant attention from the Indian media and was covered by international publications, including The New York Times.
Watch the video here:
Rare footage from 1973 of an opposition protest when petrol prices were raised by seven Paise. Atal Bihari Vajpayee arrived in Parliament on a bullock cart (which would not be possible today with the new security restrictions on vehicle entry into the complex!) pic.twitter.com/1hd97kgoMG
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 3, 2021
1973 oil shortage
In 1973, a global oil crisis occurred when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cut oil supply worldwide, impacting India as well. The oil-producing Muslim countries of the Middle East also reduced oil supply to India. In response, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, raised oil prices by over 80 per cent. As a result of the shortage of petrol and diesel, Indira Gandhi chose to travel in a carriage to convey the message of conserving petrol to the people.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister of India. He is celebrated for his leadership and ability to unite diverse ideologies while upholding democratic principles. On his death anniversary, August 16, let us look back at when he came on a bullock cart to the Parliament to mark a protest against the rise in petrol prices. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
