B.D. Jatti became known in the national arena in 1968, when he became the Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. After a period of five years, in 1972, he was appointed as the Governor of Odisha.
In 1974, Jatti assumed office as the fifth Vice President of India. He also held the Office of the President of India for a brief period, from 11th February 1977 to 25th July 1977, due to the sudden death of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the then President of India. Jatti took the place of the President until the next President was elected, within six months.
After holding the post of Acting President of India, he announced his retirement. Jatti continued to be in the limelight as a political observer. He died on 7th June 2002.
B. D. Jatti was even called ‘Ordinary man with extraordinary thoughts’. His autobiography, ‘I’m My Own Model’, is very popular.
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