Politicians Paradropped Into Important Positions: A List

VK Sasikala’s proposed elevation to chief minister has reignited the debate about unelected personalities being appointed to important positions.

Here is a list of politicians being airdropped into prominent constitutional positions:

1) Janaki Ramachandran

- A few days after MGR’S demise in December 1987, Janaki was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’S CM.

- It was the first instance of wife succeeding husband to CM’S office in India.

- She wasn’t an MLA at the time.

- However, her government lasted just for 21 days as Rajiv Gandhi dismissed it and imposed the President’s Rule.

2) Mayawati

- In June 1995, BSP pulled support from the SP-led UP government.

- Soon, with BJP’S support her political mentor Kanshiram got her installed as UP CM.

- She was Rajya Sabha member at the time.

3) Rabri Devi

- In July 1997, Lalu Yadav created history by installing his wife Rabri Devi as CM after getting her elected as rjd legislature party leader.

- Interestingly, Lalu reportedly sought suggestion from the then TN CM M. Karunanidhi, who suggested him to go ahead with Rabri.

- Rabri was neither an MLA nor an MLC at that time.

4) H.D. Devegowda

- Was unexpectedly chosen as PM in 1996 After Congress lost the polls and instead decided to support the United Front government.

- He was serving as Karnataka CM just prior to announcement of his name as the pm.

- Later he got elected from the Rajya Sabha and served as country’s PM From 1 June 1996 to 21 April 1997.

5) Prithviraj Chavan

- In November 2010 Prithviraj Chavan, Who was Union minister in the PMO was sent to Maharashtra to head the state govt.

- He was not member of either Legislative Council or state assembly at the time.

- In April 2011 he entered unopposed to the Maharashtra Legislative Council.