Neelam Sanjiva Reddy served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 26 March to 13 July 1977, making his tenure as Speaker the shortest in the history of the Lok Sabha, lasting just 109 days. Despite the brevity of his term, Reddy was a respected figure in Indian politics with a long and distinguished career.

Following his brief stint as Speaker, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was elected as the sixth President of India, serving from 1977 to 1982. His election was notable as he was the only President to be elected unopposed, reflecting his wide acceptance across the political spectrum at the time.

Reddy’s presidency came during a period of significant political transition in India. He assumed office after the Emergency period (1975-1977) and during the tenure of the Janata Party government, which was the first non-Congress government in independent India. His role as President was marked by his adherence to constitutional norms and his efforts to maintain the dignity of the office during a time of political flux.

Before his roles as Speaker and President, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy had a long political career. He was a prominent leader in the Indian National Congress and held several important positions, including Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Union Minister for Steel and Mines. His contributions to Indian politics were significant, and he played a key role in the development of Andhra Pradesh and the country’s industrial sector.

Reddy’s tenure as President is remembered for his calm demeanor, impartiality, and dedication to upholding the Constitution, which helped stabilize the political environment during a critical period in India’s history.