Eisaku Sato vs Mulayam Singh Yadav

Eisaku Sato became Prime Minister of Japan on November 9, 1964, succeeding Hayato Ikeda. His appointment marked the start of a record-long continuous tenure of nearly eight years. Sato's government focused on economic growth, nuclear non-proliferation, and reversion of Okinawa.

Sato signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) on February 3, 1970, committing Japan to not develop nuclear weapons. The decision was controversial domestically but aligned with Japan's post-war pacifist constitution and strengthened its alliance with the United States.

Sato secured the reversion of Okinawa from U.S. control to Japan on May 15, 1972, after years of negotiations. The agreement included the removal of nuclear weapons from Okinawa and maintained the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. This was a major diplomatic achievement for Sato.

Sato was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1974, for his efforts to promote nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability. He was the first Japanese prime minister to receive the prize. The award recognized his role in signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and returning Okinawa.

Mulayam Singh Yadav became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time as a Janata Dal leader. His government faced the Babri Masjid crisis. He ordered police to fire on kar sevaks attempting to demolish the mosque in 1990, which defined his secular image.

As UP chief minister, Mulayam Singh Yadav ordered police to open fire on Hindu activists (kar sevaks) attempting to attack the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Several activists were killed. This action earned him the label of a secular leader but also made him a target of Hindu nationalist anger.

Mulayam Singh Yadav founded the Samajwadi Party after splitting from the Janata Dal. The party aimed to represent socialists, backward castes, and Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. It became a major political force in the state and a key player in national coalition politics.

Mulayam Singh Yadav served as India's Defence Minister in the United Front government under Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. He held the portfolio for about a year. This was his highest national office, though his tenure was brief.

Mulayam Singh Yadav returned as UP chief minister after the 2002 election, leading a coalition government. His third term saw improved law and order but also allegations of corruption and criminalization of politics. He lost the 2007 election to Mayawati.