Vasundhara Raje
Encyclopedia
Vasundhara Raje was the Chief Minister
of Rajasthan
state of India
from December 2003 till December 2008. She is the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
. She is daughter of Vijayaraje Scindia
and Jivaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior, members of the prominent Scindia ex-royal maratha family. She completed her school education from Presentation Convent, Kodaikanal
, Tamil Nadu, and later graduated with Economics
and Political Science
degrees (Hons.) from Sophia College
, affiliated to Mumbai University, Mumbai.
(BJP) and was elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
in 1985. From 1989 onwards she won four consecutive elections to the Lok Sabha
from Jhalawar
, Rajasthan. Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's premiership, Vasundhara Raje held independent charge of numerous cabinet departments: Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries, Personnel and Training, Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and her most prominent role, that of the Union Minister of State for External Affairs.
In 2003, she shot to prominence by leading the BJP to its biggest victory in the state elections in Rajasthan as the State BJP President; She won from Jhalrapatan seat.
As the Finance Minister, Raje was able to steer the state from a budget deficit into a budget surplus for the first time since the 1991-1992 budget, in accordance with the guidelines of the 12th Finance Commission. Rajasthan became self-sufficient in power generation, and massive road and canal-building projects were undertaken under her administration. She implemented a Tourism Unit Policy, intent on expanding upon Rajasthan's ability to cater to large numbers of tourists by increasing the number of accommodations available. She was also active in courting the IT (Information Technology industry) to open offices in the state, and oversaw the building of new schools and colleges. On the social front, Vasundhara introduced mid-day meal schemes for mothers, insurance schemes, transportation vouchers for girl students and skills training for workers.
In 2007, she was awarded "Women Together Award", by the United Nations Organization, for efforts to assist women in self-empowerment.
On the downside, Vasundhara's government supported reservations to the Meena
caste, which led to demands by the Gurjar caste for similar reservations. The protests saw the blockade of national highways and violence. Despite coming up with an amicable solution and using diplomacy with caste leaders, it was believed that the face-off led to loss of support from both castes. Another issue that was raised against her was corruption within her administration. Despite her development and social schemes. caste rivalry, corruption allegations and moves by members of the BJP who viewed her as too autocratic, all led to her defeat in the 2008 Assembly Elections in Rajasthan
.
After BJP's dismal performance in 2009 general elections in Rajasthan, there are speculations that Vasundhara may be asked to quit as leader of opposition in the state assembly as it is believed that it was due to Vasundhara's alleged misgovernance during BJP's rule in the state that the party lost its grounds among masses.
On 23rd Oct 2009 after meeting with L.K. Advani she submitted her resignation to the post of the Leader of Opposition.
In 2009, she was charged in controversial Deendayal Upadhayay Land Allotment case. Raje and 5 others have been charged with forgery and criminal conspiracy.
family on 17 November 1972, but the couple separated a year later. Her son Dushyant Singh
was elected to the Lok Sabha from her former constituency, Jhalawar.
Chief Minister
A Chief Minister is the elected head of government of a sub-national state, provinces of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, notably a state of India, a territory of Australia or a British Overseas Territory that has attained self-government...
of Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
state of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
from December 2003 till December 2008. She is the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
Early life
Vasundhara Raje was born on 8th March 1953 in MumbaiMumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
. She is daughter of Vijayaraje Scindia
Vijayaraje Scindia
Vijayaraje Scindia born Lekha Divyeshwari and until 1970 styled the Rajmata of Gwalior, was a prominent Indian political personality. In the days of the British Raj, as consort of the last ruling Maharaja of Gwalior, she ranked among the highest royal figures of the land...
and Jivaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior, members of the prominent Scindia ex-royal maratha family. She completed her school education from Presentation Convent, Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal
-Climate:Kodaikanal has a monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate . The temperatures are cool throughout the year due to the high elevation of the city.-Economy:...
, Tamil Nadu, and later graduated with Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
and Political Science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
degrees (Hons.) from Sophia College
Sophia College, Mumbai
Sophia College For Women is an undergraduate women's college established in 1941 by Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is affiliated to the University of Mumbai. The governing body of The Society for the Higher Education of Women in India runs the college. The Religious Sisters of the Sacred...
, affiliated to Mumbai University, Mumbai.
Political career
Vasundhara Raje was initiated into politics by her mother in 1982. She held a variety of posts in the Bharatiya Janata PartyBharatiya Janata Party
The Bharatiya Janata Party ,; translation: Indian People's Party) is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Indian National Congress. Established in 1980, it is India's second largest political party in terms of representation in the parliament...
(BJP) and was elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly or the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha is the unicameral legislature of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated in Jaipur — the capital of the state. Members of the Legislative assembly are directly elected by the people. Presently, the legislative assembly...
in 1985. From 1989 onwards she won four consecutive elections to the Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha or House of the People is the lower house of the Parliament of India. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct election under universal adult suffrage. As of 2009, there have been fifteen Lok Sabhas elected by the people of India...
from Jhalawar
Jhalawar
Jhalawar is a city in southeastern Rajasthan. It was the capital of the former princely state of Jhalawar, and is the administrative headquarters of Jhalawar District. Jhalawar was once known as Brijnagar .-Jhalawar town:...
, Rajasthan. Under Atal Bihari Vajpayee's premiership, Vasundhara Raje held independent charge of numerous cabinet departments: Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries, Personnel and Training, Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and her most prominent role, that of the Union Minister of State for External Affairs.
In 2003, she shot to prominence by leading the BJP to its biggest victory in the state elections in Rajasthan as the State BJP President; She won from Jhalrapatan seat.
As Chief Minister
Vasundhara Raje's five-year term as Chief Minister was marked by a strong focus on infrastructure-building and social initiatives, but it was also noted for caste violence and rebellion by local leaders against Vasundhara's firm style of leadership.As the Finance Minister, Raje was able to steer the state from a budget deficit into a budget surplus for the first time since the 1991-1992 budget, in accordance with the guidelines of the 12th Finance Commission. Rajasthan became self-sufficient in power generation, and massive road and canal-building projects were undertaken under her administration. She implemented a Tourism Unit Policy, intent on expanding upon Rajasthan's ability to cater to large numbers of tourists by increasing the number of accommodations available. She was also active in courting the IT (Information Technology industry) to open offices in the state, and oversaw the building of new schools and colleges. On the social front, Vasundhara introduced mid-day meal schemes for mothers, insurance schemes, transportation vouchers for girl students and skills training for workers.
In 2007, she was awarded "Women Together Award", by the United Nations Organization, for efforts to assist women in self-empowerment.
On the downside, Vasundhara's government supported reservations to the Meena
Meenas
Meenas, Meena, Meenoat or Mina is a caste and community mainly found in Rajasthan, India. The name Mina is derived from Meen,meaning 'fish' in Sanskrit, and the Minas claim descent from the Matsya Avatar, or fish incarnation, of Vishnu.Meenas celebrate Meenesh Jayanti in the name of Vishnu on 3...
caste, which led to demands by the Gurjar caste for similar reservations. The protests saw the blockade of national highways and violence. Despite coming up with an amicable solution and using diplomacy with caste leaders, it was believed that the face-off led to loss of support from both castes. Another issue that was raised against her was corruption within her administration. Despite her development and social schemes. caste rivalry, corruption allegations and moves by members of the BJP who viewed her as too autocratic, all led to her defeat in the 2008 Assembly Elections in Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
.
Differences with BJP leaders
Although Vasundhara's political life has been surrounded by controversies, the biggest of them all was her arrogance and atitude problem. It led to her differences with many political leaders of her own party. She also antognised BJP stalwart and her political godfather Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. In a press conference, Shekhawat openly criticised Vasundhara which led to the sweeping out of the BJP in the 2009 parliamentary elections. She also has had differences with Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi, Kailash Meghwal and Jaswant Singh.Post 2008 assembly elections
In 2008 Rajasthan assembly elections BJP suffered defeat and Vasundhara Raje quit as Chief Minister of state. Vasundhara now holds the position of Leader Of Opposition in Rajasthan state assembly.After BJP's dismal performance in 2009 general elections in Rajasthan, there are speculations that Vasundhara may be asked to quit as leader of opposition in the state assembly as it is believed that it was due to Vasundhara's alleged misgovernance during BJP's rule in the state that the party lost its grounds among masses.
On 23rd Oct 2009 after meeting with L.K. Advani she submitted her resignation to the post of the Leader of Opposition.
In 2009, she was charged in controversial Deendayal Upadhayay Land Allotment case. Raje and 5 others have been charged with forgery and criminal conspiracy.
Personal life
Vasundhara Raje married Hemant Singh of the ex-royal DholpurDholpur
Dholpur is a city in eastern-most parts of the Rajasthan state of India. It is the administrative headquarters of Dholpur District and was formerly seat of the Dholpur princely state, before Independence....
family on 17 November 1972, but the couple separated a year later. Her son Dushyant Singh
Dushyant Singh
Dushyant Singh is a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India. He represents the Jhalawar-Baran constituency of Rajasthan as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party political party.-Early life:...
was elected to the Lok Sabha from her former constituency, Jhalawar.
Membership of Legislative Assembly
- 1985-90 Member, 8th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
- 2003-08 Member, 12th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from JhalrapatanJhalrapatanJhalrapatan is a town in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan state in India. It is an ancient place. It is said to be city of temples, the bells of which sounded in the ancient city hence named Jhalrapatan or city of bells...
- 2008 onwards Member, 13th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from JhalrapatanJhalrapatanJhalrapatan is a town in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan state in India. It is an ancient place. It is said to be city of temples, the bells of which sounded in the ancient city hence named Jhalrapatan or city of bells...
Membership of Parliament
- 1989-91 : Member, 9th Lok Sabha9th Lok SabhaList of Members of the 9th Lok Sabha, elected May-June 1989. The Lok Sabha is the lower house in the Parliament of India.- Important members :* Speaker:...
- 1991-96 : Member, 10th Lok Sabha10th Lok SabhaList of Members of the 10th Lok Sabha, elected during Indian general election, 1991 held during May-June 1991. The Lok Sabha is the lower house in the Parliament of India.-Important members:* Speaker:...
- 1996-98 : Member, 11th Lok Sabha11th Lok SabhaList of Members of the 11th Lok Sabha, elected during Indian general election, 1996 held during April-May 1996. The Lok Sabha is the lower house in the Parliament of India.-Important members:* Speaker:...
- 1998-99 : Member, 12th Lok Sabha12th Lok SabhaList of Members of the 12th Lok Sabha, after Indian general election, 1998 held during February-March 1998. The Lok Sabha is the lower house in the Parliament of India.- Important members :* Speaker:...
- 1999-03 : Member, 13th Lok Sabha13th Lok SabhaThe 13th Lok Sabha is the thirteenth session of the Lok Sabha...
Positions held
- 1985-87 : Vice-President, Yuva Morcha BJP, Rajasthan
- 1984 : Member, National Executive, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 1987 : Vice-President, BJP, Rajasthan
- 1990-91 : Member, Library Committee, Member, Consultative Committee, Ministries of Commerce and Tourism
- 1991-96 : Member, Consultative Committees, Ministries of Power, Science and Technology, Environment and Tourism1996-97 Member, Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, Member, Consultative Committees, Ministries of Power, Science and Technology and Tourism
- 1997-1998 : Joint Secretary, BJP Parliamentary Party
- 1998-99 : Union Minister of State, External Affairs
- 13 October 1999-31 Aug.. 2001: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries; Department of Personnel and Training; Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space
- 1 September 2001-1 November 2001: Union Minister of State, Small Scale Industries; Personnel, Training, Pensions, Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances; Department of Atomic Energy; and Department of Space (Independent Charge) 2 November 2001-
- 29 January 2003: Union Minister of State, Small Scale Industries; Personnel, Training, Pensions, Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances; Planning; Department of Atomic Energy; and Department of Space (Independent Charge) 14 November 2002 -
- 14 December 2003: President, BJP, Rajasthan
- 8 Dec, 2003 - 8 Dec, 2008: Chief Minister, Rajasthan
- 2 Jan, 2009 - Leader of Opposition, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
External links
- http://rajassembly.nic.in/precm.htm
- Profile of Vasundhara Raje