Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, a prominent Indian politician, hails from the esteemed Scindia family, former rulers of Gwalior. This makes him a titular Maharaja, adding a unique dimension to his political career.
Biography/Wiki
Born on January 1, 1971, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, Jyotiraditya Scindia’s lineage traces back to the last Maharaja of Gwalior, his grandfather, Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia. His family retains its titular Maharaja status to this day. He received his early education at Campion School, Mumbai, and Doon School, Dehradun. His academic pursuits continued at Harvard University, where he earned a degree in Economics in 1993, followed by an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2001.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighing approximately 75 kg (165 lbs), Scindia has black hair and eyes.
Family
Jyotiraditya Scindia is the son of Madhavrao Scindia, a prominent Indian National Congress (INC) politician and former Minister of Civil Aviation, and Madhavi Raje Scindia, daughter of Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana, a prince of Nepal. Sadly, Madhavi Raje Scindia passed away in May 2024. He has one sister, Chitrangada Raje Scindia. He married Priyadarshini Raje Scindia in 1994; they have two children, Mahanaryaman Scindia and Ananya Scindia.
Career
Scindia’s political journey began in 2001, joining the Indian National Congress after his father’s passing. He successfully contested and won the Lok Sabha elections from Guna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2002, 2004, and 2009. His ministerial roles included Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power.
He served as a prominent figure within the Congress party for many years. However, in 2020, he made the significant decision to switch to the BJP, joining the party on March 11, 2020, following his resignation from the INC. Subsequently, he was appointed as a Cabinet Minister in 2021 and again in 2024, this time heading the Communication Ministry. He also held the additional charge of the Steel Ministry briefly in 2022. His recent victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections solidified his position within the BJP.
Beyond politics, Scindia is the President of the Board of Governors of Scindia School, Gwalior, and has also served as chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.
Controversies
Scindia has faced some controversies throughout his career. One notable instance involved a legal dispute over his late father’s substantial property, and another centered on accusations involving a hospital inauguration in Madhya Pradesh.
Residence
His primary residence is the magnificent Jai Vilas Mahal, a 19th-century palace in Gwalior, built in 1874.
Salary/Net Worth
As a Member of Parliament, Scindia receives a salary and allowances. His net worth, as reported in 2014, included significant assets such as bank deposits, bonds, shares, and jewelry.
| Asset Type | Approximate Value (2014) |
|---|---|
| Bank Fixed Deposits | Rs. 83 Lakhs |
| Bonds, Debentures, Shares | > Rs. 1 Crore |
| Jewelry | > Rs. 24 Lakhs |
| Total Net Worth (Estimate) | ~Rs. 33 Crores |
Interesting Facts
- His father died in a plane crash in 2001.
- He worked as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch.
- He interned at the UN Economic Development Cell.
- Vasundhara Raje, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, is his paternal aunt.
- He has been involved in several notable incidents, including a road accident and public comments on political matters.
- He holds shares in several companies.
- He reportedly fell in love at first sight with his wife.
- He has walked the ramp at a fashion event.
