List of Deputy Prime Minister of India From 1947 to 2024

The role of Deputy Prime Minister in India, though not a constitutionally mandated position, has been crucial in assisting the Prime Minister, Check Out List of Deputy PM of India From 1947 to 2024.

Table of Contents

Some of the country’s most prominent leaders have held the position of deputy prime minister. Although it is not a constitutional position, senior politicians have been assigned the role to assist the Prime Minister and balance political power in the government. This article presents a detailed list of all the Deputy Prime Ministers of India, their tenure, and key contributions.

Deputy Prime Minister of India 2024

Currently, there is no deputy prime minister of India. Last, Lal Krishna Advani was elected as the deputy prime minister, but the position has remained vacant since May 23, 2004, following the tenure of Lal Krishna Advani as the last Deputy Prime Minister. Since then, successive governments have not appointed anyone to the position, and the role has not been officially filled.

What is the Role of the Deputy Prime Minister in India?

The Deputy Prime Minister is typically the second-in-command in the government, acting as a senior Cabinet member and sometimes managing specific portfolios. While the position does not carry any constitutional mandate, it is often seen as a mark of authority and political importance. The appointment depends on the discretion of the ruling party and the Prime Minister.

Deputy PM of India List

S.no	Deputy Prime Minister	Tenure	Political Party	Notable Achievements
1	Vallabhbhai Patel	15 Aug 1947 – 15 Dec 1950	Indian National Congress	Integral role in integrating princely states into India. Served as Minister of Home Affairs and Information and Broadcasting.
2	Morarji Desai	13 Mar 1967 – 19 Jul 1969	Indian National Congress	Later became Prime Minister. Notable for economic policies and fiscal management.
3	Chaudhary Charan Singh	24 Jan 1979 – 16 Jul 1979	Janata Party	Advocated for agricultural reforms and rural development. Served as Minister of Finance.
4	Jagjivan Ram	24 Jan 1979 – 28 Jul 1979	Indian National Congress	Prominent Dalit leader. Contributed to national security as Minister of Defence.
5	Yashwantrao Chavan	28 Jul 1979 – 14 Jan 1980	Indian National Congress (Urs)	Played a crucial role in maintaining internal security as Minister of Home Affairs.
6	Devi Lal	02 Dec 1989 – 01 Aug 1990	Janata Dal	Focused on agricultural reforms and rural development as Minister of Agriculture. Later served as Minister of Tourism.
7	Devi Lal	10 Nov 1990 – 21 Jun 1991	Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya)	Served a second term, continuing efforts in agricultural and rural development.
8	Lal Krishna Advani	28 Jun 2002 – 22 May 2004	Bharatiya Janata Party	Oversaw significant legislative reforms and national security measures as Minister of Home Affairs.

Post of Deputy PM of India

The post of Deputy Prime Minister of India, while not constitutionally mandated, holds significant importance in the country’s political hierarchy. Here’s an overview of the Deputy Prime Minister’s role and significance:

Position Overview

Deputy Head of Government

The Deputy Prime Minister serves as the second-highest-ranking minister in the Union government’s executive branch. They assist the Prime Minister in various administrative, policy-making, and governance functions.

Senior Member of Union Council of Ministers

The Deputy Prime Minister is a senior member of the Union Council of Ministers, contributing to key decision-making processes and policy formulation.

Acting Prime Minister in Absence

One of the primary responsibilities of the Deputy Prime Minister is to deputize for the Prime Minister in their absence. During such times, the Deputy Prime Minister assumes the role of the acting head of government.

Appointment and Authority

Appointment

The Deputy Prime Minister is appointed by the Prime Minister, typically from among the senior members of the ruling party or coalition.

Authority

While the Deputy Prime Minister does not have any specific constitutional powers, their authority derives from their position as the second-in-command in the government hierarchy. They wield considerable influence in policy matters and government decision-making processes.

Historical Context

Intermittent Occupancy

Since India’s independence in 1947, the post of Deputy Prime Minister has been occupied intermittently. There have been periods when the position remained vacant, and its occupancy has varied based on political circumstances and the preferences of the Prime Minister.

Role Evolution

Over the years, the role and significance of the Deputy Prime Minister have evolved, reflecting changes in India’s political landscape and governance structures. While the Deputy Prime Minister does not hold any specific portfolio, they often play a crucial role in coordinating government activities and representing the Prime Minister on various occasions.

Deputy Prime Minister of India UPSC

There is no Deputy Prime Minister of India as of 2024.
The position has been vacant since May 23, 2004, following the tenure of Lal Krishna Advani.
Despite its historical significance, successive governments have not appointed anyone to the role.
As such, the second-highest-ranking minister in the Union government’s executive branch remains unoccupied, with the Prime Minister serving as the sole head of government.

List of Deputy PM of India From FAQs