Presidents of India and Their Parliamentary Roles

The question asks us to identify which former President of India also held the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Understanding the roles within the Indian Parliament, specifically the Rajya Sabha, is key to answering this question.

The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha also elects a Deputy Chairperson from among its members to perform the duties of the Chairman when the office of the Chairman is vacant or during the absence of the Chairman from a sitting of the House.

Examining the Options

Let's look at the parliamentary careers of the Presidents listed in the options:

• Shankar Dayal Sharma: Before becoming President, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma served as the Vice-President of India from 1987 to 1992. As Vice-President, he was the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He was not the Deputy Chairperson.
• Pranab Mukherjee: Shri Pranab Mukherjee had a long parliamentary career, serving as a Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, and held various ministerial portfolios. He served multiple terms in the Rajya Sabha but did not hold the office of Deputy Chairperson. He later became President from 2012 to 2017.
• Zakir Hussain: Dr. Zakir Hussain served as the Vice-President of India from 1962 to 1967. As Vice-President, he was the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He was not the Deputy Chairperson. He became President in 1967.
• Pratibha Devi Singh Patil: Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil had a distinguished political career that included being a Member of the Rajya Sabha from 1985 to 1990. During her term in the Rajya Sabha, she served as the Deputy Chairperson from 1986 to 1988. She later served as the Governor of Rajasthan before becoming the President of India from 2007 to 2012.

Conclusion on Deputy Chairperson Role

Based on the political history of these individuals, Pratibha Devi Singh Patil is the only President among the given options who held the specific position of Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

Therefore, the correct answer is Pratibha Devi Singh Patil.

Revision Table: Presidents and Rajya Sabha Connection

Additional Information on Indian Presidents and Parliament

It's worth noting the common paths Presidents have taken through parliamentary roles:

• Many Presidents have served as Vice-President first. The Vice-President is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. So, while several Presidents have been Chairman, being Deputy Chairperson is a different role.
• Some Presidents have been members of either house (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) or held ministerial positions before becoming President.
• The role of Deputy Chairperson is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha from amongst themselves, while the Chairman is the Vice-President of India by virtue of office.

Understanding the distinct roles within the Rajya Sabha – Chairman and Deputy Chairperson – is important when studying the careers of India's political leaders.