“Yeh gaddar log hain (they are traitors). They will not listen to you.”
These fiery words depict the bold spirit of veteran socialist and former Union Minister Yogendra Makwana, who passed away on Tuesday, two days before his 93rd birthday.
A Dalit leader and a committed Congress stalwart, he was known for his courage during India’s most turbulent political times.
His political journey began with the Socialist Party, inspired by founder Chhotubhai Purani. He later became general secretary of the Praja Socialist Party in Kheda district.
While working as a Customs inspector at Ahmedabad airport, he was invited by Indira Gandhi to join the Congress.
When the party split in 1969 into the Syndicate-led Congress (Organisation) and Indira Gandhi’s Congress (R), Makwana stood firmly with her.
Recalling that period in an interview, he described how he protested the ticket distribution favouring the Syndicate faction by setting up a “Speakers’ Corner” outside the AICC headquarters in Delhi. He reminded that he stood on a small stool and accused the opposing faction of betrayal.
His defiance led to a meeting with Indira Gandhi, where he reminded her that he always stood by her even when others distanced themselves.
She appointed him election in-charge, marking the start of his rapid rise.
As Minister of State for Home Affairs, Makwana played a crucial role in negotiating with the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) during the Assam Movement, which culminated in the Assam Accord of 1985.
A senior Congress leader told a section of the media that Makwana negotiated with AASU during the agitation, which began in 1979, and that this brought its then president Prafulla Mahanta to the mainstream.
Representing India internationally, including at the United Nations, Makwana was appointed chairperson of the Congress Scheduled Caste Department in 2006. He later launched the National Bahujan Congress in 2008, which, however, did not gain much traction.
As a report highlighted, Makwana defended Indira Gandhi’s Emergency in 2018 and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis and his proposal for a SAARC emergency fund in 2020.
Public service was a family tradition. His wife Shantaben was elected to Gujarat’s first Assembly in 1962 and served as state minister for health and water resources. He leaves behind three children including retired IAS officer Anuradha Mall, Dr Nandini and son Bharat son Bharat who served as MLA from Sojitra and contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Ahmedabad West on a Congress ticket.
Yogendrabhai’s death
His death marks the passing of a fearless leader whose dedication to socialism and public service left a lasting legacy.
Political Career Highlights
· Served in the Rajya Sabha from 1973 to 1989
· Held key roles such as Deputy Chief Whip and Secretary of the Congress Parliamentary Party
· Minister of State from 1980 to 1988, overseeing portfolios including:
– Home Affairs
– Communications
– Steel and Mines
– Health
– Agriculture
· Member of the Planning Commission of India
