V. P. Singh was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, and began his political career as a member of the Indian National Congress party. He later joined the Janata Dal party and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's parliament, from 1980 to 1984 and then as a member of the Lok Sabha, the lower house, from 1984 to 1989. He held various cabinet portfolios during his career, including Defence, Finance and Commerce before becoming Prime Minister.
V. P. Singh is remembered for his efforts to combat corruption and his commitment to social justice. He implemented the Mandal Commission report which recommended reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions, which sparked widespread protests and controversy. He passed away on November 27, 2008.
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