Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1905–1977) was an eminent Indian politician, lawyer, and statesman who served as the fifth President of India from 1974 until his death in 1977. He was the second Muslim to hold the office of President, following Dr Zakir Husain, and played a notable role in India’s political landscape during a turbulent period marked by the declaration of the Emergency (1975–1977). His tenure was distinguished by both his loyalty to the Indian National Congress and his involvement in key events that shaped post-independence Indian democracy.

Early Life and Education

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was born on 13 May 1905 in Hauz Qazi, Delhi, into a distinguished family with a history of public service. His father, Col. Zalnur Ali Ahmed, was a physician in the Indian Medical Service, while his mother, Sahebzadi Ruqayya Sultana, came from a noble lineage of Assam. The family later moved to Assam, where Fakhruddin spent much of his life and political career.
He received his early education at Government High School, Gonda, and later at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then proceeded to St. Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, to study law. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple, London, in 1928. During his time in England, he came into contact with Indian nationalist leaders and developed a strong sense of political and patriotic commitment.

Entry into Politics

Upon returning to India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed began practising law at the Gauhati High Court in Assam. He soon joined the Indian National Congress, influenced by Jawaharlal Nehru, whom he had met in England in 1925. Nehru’s ideals of socialism, secularism, and national integration deeply influenced Ahmed’s political thinking.
Ahmed actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle, particularly during the Quit India Movement of 1942, for which he was arrested and imprisoned by the British authorities. His dedication to the cause of Indian independence earned him recognition among Congress leaders.

Role in Independent India

After India’s independence in 1947, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed emerged as one of the leading political figures from the North-Eastern region. He held several important positions in the Assam Provincial Congress Committee and was elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly. His political career at the national level began when he became a member of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) in 1952.
Ahmed’s competence and loyalty to the Congress Party earned him key ministerial roles in the Union Government. Over the years, he served in various capacities:

• Minister of Irrigation and Power (1966–1970) – He oversaw several developmental projects related to water management and hydroelectric power generation, promoting rural and agricultural growth.
• Minister of Education, Industrial Development and Company Affairs (1970–1974) – His tenure focused on promoting industrialisation, regulating corporate governance, and improving educational infrastructure.
• Minister for Food and Agriculture (briefly) – He was associated with policies aimed at achieving food security during challenging years of drought and inflation.

Ahmed’s administrative style was marked by efficiency, calmness, and dedication. He was regarded as a moderate leader who believed in consensus and developmental governance.

Presidency (1974–1977)

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was elected the fifth President of India on 20 August 1974, succeeding V. V. Giri. His election reflected the continued dominance of the Congress Party under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who supported his candidature. Ahmed’s presidency coincided with one of the most controversial and politically charged periods in Indian history — the Emergency.
On 25 June 1975, following political unrest and a court verdict invalidating Indira Gandhi’s election, the Prime Minister advised the President to declare a National Emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, citing threats to national security and internal stability. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed signed the proclamation, thereby authorising sweeping powers to the central government. The Emergency, which lasted until March 1977, led to widespread restrictions on civil liberties, press censorship, and mass arrests of opposition leaders.

Controversies and Criticism

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed’s presidency is often remembered for his role during the Emergency. Critics argue that he acted as a passive constitutional head, signing ordinances and decrees without sufficient scrutiny. His compliance with the Prime Minister’s decisions drew criticism from political opponents and historians, who viewed his actions as diminishing the independence of the presidency.
However, his supporters maintain that Ahmed acted within the constitutional framework and upheld his duty to the elected government of the day. As President, he believed that maintaining political stability and constitutional order was paramount during a time of perceived national crisis.

Personal Life and Character

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed married Begum Abida Ahmed in 1945, who was herself active in social work and later served as a Member of Parliament. They had two sons and a daughter. Known for his humility, integrity, and cultured demeanour, Ahmed was respected across party lines. He had a deep interest in literature, music, and sports, particularly cricket and golf.
His lifestyle reflected simplicity and refinement, and he remained committed to the ideals of secularism, national unity, and social justice throughout his public life.

Death and Succession

While in office, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed suffered a heart attack and passed away on 11 February 1977, making him the second Indian President to die in office, after Dr Zakir Husain. His untimely death occurred just weeks before the Emergency was lifted. He was given a state funeral in Delhi, attended by national leaders and foreign dignitaries. He was buried with full honours at the Parliament Street graveyard in New Delhi.
Following his death, B. D. Jatti, the then Vice President, acted as President until the election of Neelam Sanjiva Reddy later that year.

Legacy and Remembrance

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed’s contributions to Indian politics and public administration are remembered through several institutions and memorials:

• Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta (Assam)
• Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Hall, Aligarh Muslim University
• Annual commemorative lectures and scholarships in his name

He remains a significant figure in the political history of Assam and India, symbolising the integration of the North-East into the national mainstream. His presidency, though controversial, is also viewed as a reflection of the complex interplay between constitutional authority and executive power in a democratic system.