ND Tiwari

Narain Dutt Tiwari has been one of the few leaders, who not only talked of development but also worked for it.

After more than half a century in politics, Narain Dutt Tiwari comes across as a lonely and tired man, known for his humility and simple lifestyle.

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One of the outstanding Congress leaders in the freedom movement, Tiwari was born on October 18, 1925 in a small village called Biluety in the hills of Nainital. His village had no electricity, no roads and no schools. He had a tough childhood and earned through tuitions to complete his MA, LLB from Allahabad University.

As a politician, Tiwari carved out a niche for himself as an undisputed economist and financial expert besides being well-versed in parliamentary practices. And every time there was a leadership crisis in UP, Tiwari used to come up as the answer.

The Chief Minister of India's most populated state on four occasions and the current Chief Minister of Uttaranchal, he held several important posts in the union cabinet as well — including foreign affairs, industry and commerce ministries.

Sanjay Gandhi used to call him "New Delhi Tiwari" because Tiwari was rarely to be seen in Lucknow when he held the reins of Uttar Pradesh. In political circles he was dubbed as the "Nothing Doing Tiwari". But as a matter of fact, Tiwari has been one of the few leaders, who not only talked of development but also worked for it.

This time, however, Tiwari would not contest elections from the prestigious Nainital constituency, a seat held by him for several years.