Deputy Prime Minister of India is an important political position in the country’s well-structured system, where each leader has a specific role in governance. This post primarily assists the Prime Minister in managing crucial government work and overseeing key ministries such as Home Affairs, Defence, and Finance. Although the Deputy Prime Minister of India is not a constitutional office, it has played a significant role in the nation’s history. The position becomes especially important during coalition governments, helping maintain political balance among various parties. Currently, the post of Deputy Prime Minister of India is vacant, with Lal Krishna Advani being the last person to hold the role until May 23, 2004.
What is Deputy Prime Minister of India?
Deputy Prime Minister of India is a senior leader in the Cabinet who acts as the second-in-command to the Prime Minister. The Constitution of India does not define this position. That means the post does not have any specific powers, duties, or responsibilities mentioned in the Constitution.
The Prime Minister decides when to appoint a Deputy PM. The appointment usually happens to recognize the seniority of a Cabinet Minister or to balance political power in the government.
Even without constitutional powers, the Deputy Prime Minister is important because:
- He supports the Prime Minister in managing government work.
- He often manages key ministries such as Home, Finance, or Defence.
- In coalition governments, he helps maintain political stability.
- He can act as a backup if the Prime Minister is unavailable.
So, the Deputy Prime Minister is a very powerful political post in India despite not being mentioned in the Constitution.
Also read – Prime Minister of India
Deputy Prime Minister Importance
Considering these responsibilities, it is clear why the post of Deputy Prime Minister has played a significant role in India’s political history. The role of Deputy PM is useful for several reasons:
- Supporting the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister has a lot of work to manage. The Deputy PM helps handle major ministries and decisions.
- Coalition Governments: In alliance governments, the post can be given to a leader from a partner party. This helps maintain harmony among coalition partners.
Backup Leadership: If the Prime Minister is travelling or ill, the Deputy PM can temporarily take charge of important work. - Political Significance: The post strengthens the authority of senior Cabinet Ministers and helps in decision-making.
- The post of Deputy Prime Minister is often used to recognize loyalty, seniority, and political importance.
Deputy Prime Minister of India First
The first Deputy Prime Minister of India was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He served from 15 August 1947 to 15 December 1950. He was also India’s first Home Minister.
Sardar Patel is called the “Iron Man of India” because of his firm leadership and vision. He played a key role in uniting more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. Patel helped establish India’s civil services system and strengthened internal security.
His leadership as the first Deputy PM showed how influential this post could be, even without constitutional recognition.
Deputy Prime Ministers of India List
Since independence, only a few leaders have held the Deputy Prime Minister post. Here is a complete list with their tenure, party, and key achievements:
| S.No | Name | Tenure | Political Party | Notable Achievements |
| 1 | Vallabhbhai Patel | 15 Aug 1947 – 15 Dec 1950 | Indian National Congress | First DPM; longest-serving; united princely states into India |
| 2 | Morarji Desai | 13 Mar 1967 – 19 Jul 1969 | Indian National Congress | Later became PM; known for economic policies |
| 3 | Charan Singh | 24 Jan 1979 – 16 Jul 1979 | Janata Party | Later became PM; focused on agricultural reforms |
| 4 | Jagjivan Ram | 24 Jan 1979 – 28 Jul 1979 | Indian National Congress | Prominent Dalit leader; Defence Minister |
| 5 | Yashwantrao Chavan | 28 Jul 1979 – 14 Jan 1980 | Indian National Congress (Urs) | Minister of Home Affairs; handled internal security |
| 6 | Devi Lal | 2 Dec 1989 – 1 Aug 1990 | Janata Dal | Focused on farmers and agriculture |
| 7 | Devi Lal | 10 Nov 1990 – 21 Jun 1991 | Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya) | Second term as DPM |
| 8 | Lal Krishna Advani | 28 Jun 2002 – 22 May 2004 | Bharatiya Janata Party | Oversaw Home Ministry and legislative reforms |
Note: Charan Singh served as Deputy PM under Morarji Desai and later became Prime Minister. Jagjivan Ram also served as Deputy PM for a short period.
Also read – Evolution of the Indian Constitution
Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979
Between 1977 and 1979, India had several changes in the Deputy Prime Minister post because of political instability and coalition governments.
- Morarji Desai became Prime Minister in 1977 after the Janata Party won elections. Charan Singh served as his Deputy PM for a brief period.
- Later, Jagjivan Ram also served as Deputy PM during coalition arrangements.
This shows that the post is often used to maintain political balance and harmony in the government.
Deputy Prime Minister of India Current
As of now, there is no Deputy Prime Minister in India. The post has been vacant since 2004 after Lal Krishna Advani retired.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not appointed anyone as Deputy PM. All major ministries are directly managed by the Prime Minister with the help of Cabinet Ministers.
The post may be filled in the future if there is a political need, especially in coalition governments.
Deputy Prime Minister After Independence
Since India became independent, only eight leaders have held this post. Their appointments show that India keeps this role only when necessary.
- Sardar Patel (1947–1950): Strengthened internal administration and united states.
- Morarji Desai (1967–1969): Focused on economic reforms.
- Charan Singh, Jagjivan Ram, Yashwantrao Chavan (1977–1980): Managed agriculture, defence, and internal security during coalition governments.
Charan Singh, Jagjivan Ram, Yashwantrao Chavan
- Devi Lal (1989–1991): Advocated farmers’ rights and rural development.
- Lal Krishna Advani (2002–2004): Oversaw Home Ministry and legislative reforms.
Since 2004, the post has remained empty, showing that it is used only when politically or administratively necessary.
Conclusion
Deputy Prime Minister of India is a unique post. It is not mentioned in the Constitution, but it has been very important for running the government and managing politics. Leaders like Sardar Patel, Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, Jagjivan Ram, Devi Lal, and L.K. Advani used the post to provide administrative support and maintain political balance.
Deputy Prime Minister of India FAQs
Is the Deputy Prime Minister a constitutional post in India?
No, the Deputy Prime Minister is not a constitutional post. It is a political appointment at the discretion of the Prime Minister.
Who was the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979?
Charan Singh and Jagjivan Ram served as Deputy Prime Ministers during this period in coalition governments.
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister of India?
Currently, there is no Deputy Prime Minister in India. The post has been vacant since 2004.
Why is the Deputy Prime Minister post important in India?
The post is important to support the Prime Minister, manage key ministries, maintain coalition balance, and act as second-in-command.
