Among the following, who has been Speaker of Lok Sabha prior to his election as President of India?

Question

Among the following, who has been Speaker of Lok Sabha prior to his election as President of India?

1. A. Giani Zail Singh
2. B. V. V. Giri
3. C. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy (Correct answer)
4. D. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Correct Answer

Option C — Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy.

Key Points

• Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha before becoming the President of India. He was Speaker of the Lok Sabha and later became the sixth President of India (1977-1982) — notably, he was elected President unopposed.
• He also holds the distinction of being the youngest person to become President of India.

Additional Information

• he had earlier been the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh as well.
• V. V. Giri, Giani Zail Singh and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam all became President but were never Speaker of the Lok Sabha — so the correct answer is Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, option (C).