Deputy Prime Minister of India, List, Tenure, Political Party

As of 2025, India does not have a Deputy Prime Minister. The position is not a permanent constitutional post and is appointed only when required by the government. Over the years, only a few leaders have held this title, such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, and L. K. Advani. The last person to serve as Deputy Prime Minister of India was L. K. Advani from 2002 to 2004.

Deputy Prime Minister of India

The Deputy Prime Minister of India isn’t a constitutional post, it’s purely political, created and used at the Prime Minister’s decision. Over the years, it’s been given to senior leaders in the Cabinet to recognize their influence or help manage major portfolios. While there’s no official job description in the Constitution, the Deputy Prime Minister of India is usually seen as the second-most important person in the government, right after the Prime Minister. This role becomes especially significant in coalition governments. It helps keep alliance partners satisfied and provides a sense of balance in power-sharing.

List of Deputy Prime Minister of India

India does not have a Deputy Prime Minister. The position has remained vacant since May 23, 2004, after Lal Krishna Advani last held the role. Since independence, only a few leaders have served as Deputy Prime Minister of India, and each did so under specific political circumstances. Here’s a complete List of Deputy Prime Minister of India, along with their tenure and the key portfolios they managed:

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First Deputy Prime Minister of India

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the First Deputy Prime Minister of India, serving from 15 August 1947 until his death on 15 December 1950. He held the crucial portfolio of Home Minister and played a defining role in integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. He was known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel earned this title through his resolute leadership and administrative clarity.

Current Deputy Prime Minister of India

As of now, India doesn’t have a Deputy Prime Minister. The position has remained vacant since 2004, after the UPA government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh took office. Even under the current NDA government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no one has been appointed to the role.

At present, the Prime Minister oversees all key ministries directly, with support from the Cabinet. The Deputy Prime Minister of India is a powerful but non-constitutional post that has served both administrative and political purposes.