Question

Who was a member of the Rajya Sabha when first appointed as the Prime Minister of India?

• A. Lal Bahadur Shastri
• B. Charan Singh
• C. Morarji Desai
• D. Indira Gandhi

Hint:

Prime Ministers who were members of the Rajya Sabha when assuming office: Indira Gandhi (1966) H.D. Deve Gowda (1996) I.K. Gujral (1997) Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The Prime Minister of India may be a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Although most Prime Ministers have come from the Lok Sabha, some have held office while serving in the Rajya Sabha.

Step 1: Review constitutional provisions. Article 75 permits the Prime Minister to be appointed from either House of Parliament.

Step 2: Examine the given options. Lal Bahadur Shastri, Charan Singh, and Morarji Desai were associated with the Lok Sabha when they became Prime Minister.

Step 3: Consider Indira Gandhi. When Lal Bahadur Shastri died in January 1966, Indira Gandhi was chosen as Prime Minister. At that time she was a member of the Rajya Sabha representing Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, she became the first Prime Minister appointed while serving in the Rajya Sabha. Hence, Option (D) is correct.