Mayawati, a prominent figure in Indian politics, holds a significant place in the nation’s history. This comprehensive biography delves into her life, career, and impact on Indian society.
Wiki/Biography, Caste
Born on January 15, 1956, in New Delhi, India, Mayawati hails from a Hindu Scheduled Caste family. Her father, Prabhu Das, worked as a post office employee. Mayawati pursued her education at the University of Delhi, earning a B.A. and L.L.B. She later obtained a B.Ed from VMLG College, Ghaziabad. Before entering politics, she taught at Inderpuri JJ Colony, Delhi, while also preparing for the Civil Services Examination.
Author Ajay Bose, in his book “Behenji: A Political Biography of Mayawati,” recounts a pivotal meeting in 1977. Kanshi Ram, the future founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), visited her family and reportedly told her, “I can make you such a big leader one day that not one but a whole row of IAS officers will line up for your orders.”
Physical Appearance
- Height: 158 cm or 5’2″
- Weight: 80 kg or 176 lbs
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Mayawati is the daughter of Prabhu Das and Ram Rati. She has one sibling, a brother named Anand Kumar, who is also involved in politics. She remained unmarried throughout her life.
Career
Mayawati joined Kanshi Ram’s BSP upon its founding in 1984. Her first electoral contest was for the Kairana Lok Sabha seat in Muzaffarnagar district. She secured her first victory in the 1989 General Election, representing Bijnor in the Lok Sabha, defeating Mangal Ram Premi of the Janata Dal by 8,879 votes. Subsequent milestones included her election to the Rajya Sabha in 1994 and multiple terms as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, often marked by short-lived tenures due to shifting political alliances.
After Kanshi Ram’s passing, Mayawati became the BSP President on September 18, 2003. Her most significant achievement was completing a full term as Chief Minister from 2007 to 2012.
Controversies
Mayawati’s career has been marked by several controversies:
- Allegations of corruption in the Taj Corridor Scam (2002)
- Scrutiny regarding a substantial increase in her assets
- Criticism for significant public spending on memorials and statues
- Controversy surrounding the use of World Bank funds
- Public backlash over extravagant gifts and expenses
- Legal challenges concerning the funding of monuments
- A 48-hour ban from the Election Commission for violating the Model Code of Conduct (2019)
Assets/Net Worth
Mayawati’s reported net worth is substantial, including significant bank deposits, valuable jewelry, and substantial real estate holdings.
| Asset Type | Estimated Value (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Bank Deposits | Rs 13 crore |
| Jewelry | Rs 1 crore+ |
| Real Estate | Rs 96 crore+ |
| Total Net Worth | Rs 111 crore+ |
Favourite Things
Mayawati’s admiration for Kanshi Ram is well documented.
Facts
Mayawati’s career has been recognized by various figures and organizations:
- P.V. Narasimha Rao described her career as a “miracle of democracy.”
- She is the first female Scheduled Caste Chief Minister of India.
- Her birthday is celebrated as “Jan Kalyankari Diwas” by her supporters.
- She was recognized among India’s top taxpayers.
- TIME magazine included her in its list of India’s 15 Most Influential (2007).
- Forbes listed her among the world’s 100 most powerful women (2008).
- Newsweek compared her to Barack Obama (2009).
- She authored an autobiography, “Mere Sangarshmai Jeevan Evam Bahujan Movement Ka Safarnama.”
- Her initial designation of a nephew as successor was later rescinded.
- She participated in the Mahagathbandhan for the 2019 general elections.
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