A. R. Antulay
A controversial political figure who rose to lead Maharashtra and later faced a dramatic corruption case that was ultimately overturned by India's highest court.
1929–2014 (age 85)·Indian politician·Birthday: February 9·The Silent Generation
Biography
Abdul Rahman Antulay's political journey was a testament to both ambition and resilience. Born in 1929, he carved a path through the Indian National Congress, becoming a trusted lieutenant of Indira Gandhi. His ascent culminated in 1980 when he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, a position he held for just over a year. His tenure was abruptly cut short by a scandal involving allegations that he had solicited funds for a trust from businesses reliant on state-controlled cement quotas. The Bombay High Court's conviction forced his resignation, casting a long shadow over his career. Yet, Antulay fought back, and in a stunning reversal, the Supreme Court of India later acquitted him, citing a lack of evidence. He returned to national politics as a Member of Parliament and served as the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, embodying a political narrative of dramatic fall and partial redemption.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
A. was born in 1929, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When A. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1929
#1 Movie
The Broadway Melody
Best Picture
The Broadway Melody
A.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1929Born
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1934Started school
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1942Became a teenager
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1945Could drive
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1947Could vote
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1950Turned 21
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1959Turned 30
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1969Turned 40
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1979Turned 50
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1989Turned 60
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1999Turned 70
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2009Turned 80
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2014Died at 85
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
Key Achievements
- Served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1980 to 1982.
- Appointed as India's Union Minister for Minority Affairs in the Manmohan Singh government.
- Elected as a Member of Parliament to the Lok Sabha representing the Kulaba constituency.
- Successfully overturned a high-profile corruption conviction through a Supreme Court acquittal.
Did You Know?
He was the first Muslim to hold the office of Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Before politics, he was a practicing lawyer in Bombay.
The trust at the center of his scandal was named after Indira Gandhi.
He authored a book titled 'Appointment with Prime Minister' about his experiences.
“I resigned as Chief Minister, but I never resigned from public life.”
