Balram Singh Rai

Political affiliations Rai entered politics when Guyana had three major rival parties—The People's Progressive Party (PPP), The People's National Congress (PNC), and The United Force (UF). He sided with the PPP, but later he made a controversial move to form his own party, the Justice Party. The controversy ranged over jobs, race, power, and corruption. Rai’s party, however, could not penetrate the market share of the established parties—PPP, PNC, and UF. In the 1964 general election, the JP got only 1,334 votes, less than a percent, and not amounting to a seat in parliament.

Parliamentary years Rai represented Central Demerara in parliament during the 1957-1964 period. During 1959-1961 he was Minister of Community Development and Education, and during 1961-1962 he was Minister of Home Affairs. In November 1970, he went into voluntary exile, living at Ealing, London, UK.

Political achievements As Minister of Education, he abolished the dual control of school, and brought the denomination schools under government control. This achievement aimed to disallow indoctrination of students into other faiths.