Surjit Singh Barnala

Surjit Singh Barnala (Tamil: சுர்ஜித் சிங்க் பர்னால; Punjabi: ਸੁਰਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਰਨਾਲਾ; born October 21, 1925) is the present governor of Tamil Nadu, India. He has held that position since November 2004. During his eventful career in Indian politics he has been Governor of four states, Chief Minister of Punjab, a Minister in the Union Cabinet twice, a Vice-Presidential candidate.

Early life

Barnala was born in Ateli village, which was then part of Nabha, Punjab state. Born of a well-to-do family (his father was a magistrate), Barnala passed Law from Lucknow University in 1946. In Lucknow, he was involved in the Quit India Movement of 1942. Subsequently he practised law for some years, and became politically active in the late '60s, rising through the ranks of Akali Dal. Though, he first stood for election in 1952 but lost by a meager 4 votes.

Politics

Mr.Barnala was also the party president of Shiromani Akali Dal , but had to resign as per the rule that states that one cannot hold two offices of profit.

Barnala served as Chief Minister of Punjab from September 29, 1985 until May 11, 1987. Barnala, a member of the Sikh political party Shiromani Akali Dal served as Chief Minister during a period of terrorism in Punjab. The state had under in Barnala's chief ministership from 1985 to 1987, and after nearly two years in office, President's Rule was imposed.

Since then, Barnala has served as a Governor of...
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