Bhairon Singh Shekhawat vs Sokollu Mehmed Pasha

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, leading the Janata Party government. His tenure focused on rural development and anti-poverty programs, but was cut short by the fall of the Janata government at the centre.

Shekhawat returned as Chief Minister after the BJP won the 1990 Rajasthan elections. His second term saw the implementation of economic reforms and infrastructure projects, but also faced communal tensions following the Babri Masjid demolition.

Shekhawat was elected as the 11th Vice President of India, serving under President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. As Vice President, he also served as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over parliamentary proceedings.

Shekhawat contested the 2007 Indian presidential election as an independent candidate supported by the opposition. He lost to Pratibha Patil, the UPA candidate, marking the end of his active political career.

As Grand Vizier, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha oversaw the Ottoman siege of Malta. The campaign failed to capture the island from the Knights Hospitaller, marking a significant Ottoman defeat in the Mediterranean and halting their westward expansion.

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was appointed Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Suleiman. He served under three sultans (Suleiman, Selim II, and Murad III), maintaining stability and overseeing the empire's administration during a period of expansion and consolidation.

Under Sokollu Mehmed Pasha's administration, the Ottoman Empire conquered Cyprus from the Republic of Venice. The island became an Ottoman province, though the victory was followed by the naval defeat at Lepanto later that year.

Sokollu Mehmed Pasha was assassinated in the Divan chamber of the Topkapi Palace by a disgruntled soldier. His death ended the longest uninterrupted tenure as Grand Vizier in Ottoman history and marked the beginning of a period of political instability.