Balram Jakhar served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1980 to 1989, holding the position for a remarkable tenure of eight years and 329 days. He became the longest-serving Speaker in the history of the Indian Parliament, a distinction he holds to this day.
Jakhar’s tenure was marked by his ability to maintain order in the House and his impartiality in managing debates and discussions, which earned him the respect of both the ruling party and the opposition. As Speaker, he played a key role in upholding the dignity and decorum of the House, ensuring that parliamentary proceedings ran smoothly and efficiently.
In addition to his long tenure as Speaker, Balram Jakhar was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He also held significant positions in the government, including Union Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Rural Development. His work in these areas focused on improving rural welfare, promoting agricultural reforms, and addressing issues related to farmers.
Jakhar was known for his deep understanding of parliamentary procedures, his commitment to the principles of democracy, and his efforts to strengthen India’s parliamentary system. He was also instrumental in shaping the functioning of the Speaker’s office, introducing reforms that streamlined parliamentary processes. His tenure as Speaker is widely regarded as a period of stability and maturity in the Lok Sabha.