K. B. Singh
| Kunwar Bachint Singh | |
|---|---|
| Member of legistrative assembly | |
| Preceded by | Vishnu Deo |
| Succeeded by | Vishnu Deo |
| Nominated Indian Member | |
|
In office 1937–1947 |
|
| Member of Executive Council (Fiji) | |
|
In office 1946–1947 |
|
| Succeeded by | A.D. Patel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | India |
Kunwar Bachint Singh OBE arrived in Fiji in 1927 as a teacher for the Arya Samaj in Fiji but his association with Vishnu Deo led him to play an active role in aggressively promoting the Arya Samaj and finally into politics. He was elected into the Legislative Council as a protégé of Vishnu Deo but after the election took an independent stance opposed to the wishes of the majority of the Fiji Indians. He supported nominated instead of elected representation, actively supported the war effort and even attempted to set up a farmers union opposed to a number of existing unions. The Government rewarded him for his loyalty by nominating him into the Legislative Council thrice, appointing him as a Justice of Peace and as a member of the Executive Council.
Singh was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, India. He migrated to Singapore then came to Fiji in 1927 as a teacher and taught at Viti School near Nausori. He worked hand-in-hand with Vishnu Deo, in June 1930, to establish the Fiji Indian Labour Union to represent unemployed Punjabi immigrants.
In 1932, when Vishnu Deo needed a candidate to oppose a rebel candidate who had nominated for a seat in the Legislative Council against the call for boycott from Vishnu Deo and other leaders, K. B. Singh was an obvious choice. He was regarded as a loyal supporter of Vishnu Deo and common roll. K.B.Singh defeated his opponent for the Southern Indian Division, capturing 79 percent of the formal votes cast. On 14 October 1932, under the guidance of Vishnu Deo, K.B. Singh put forward a motion for common roll. The Governor convinced him that his fears were unfounded and asked him to withdraw the motion so that he could discuss it with the Secretary of State. Contrary to Vishnu Deo’s advice, he withdrew the motion. In February 1933, the Secretary of State informed the Legislative Council that it was impracticable to have common roll. K.B. Singh resigned and was re-elected with Vishnu Deo’s support (with an increased majority of 94% over the same rival). He took his seat in the Legislative Council, contrary to Vishnu Deo’s instructions and evaded the common roll issue. He was denounced in public meetings organised by Vishnu Deo and his associates but was rewarded by the Government by being made Justice of Peace. On 23 March 1934, he introduced another motion for common roll which was defeated but its consequence was that new motion could not be introduced immediately after next election.
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