This comprehensive biography details the life and career of Selja Kumari, a prominent figure in Indian politics. From her early life and education to her significant roles within the Indian National Congress, this post explores her journey and impact.
Wiki/Biography
Selja Kumari entered the world on Monday, September 24, 1962, in Chandigarh, making her 61 years old as of 2023. A Libra, she received her schooling at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Delhi. She later returned to Chandigarh to earn her M.A. and MPhil degrees from Panjab University.
Growing up in Chandigarh and later New Delhi, her upbringing was heavily influenced by her father’s political career as a Member of Parliament. Following his passing in 1987, she decided to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in politics.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’4″
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste, and Husband
Selja Kumari hails from the Ravidasia Community. Her father, Chaudhary Dalbir Singh, was a distinguished Congress Party politician, serving in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Lok Sabha representing Haryana’s Sirsa Assembly Constituency. Her mother, Kalawati Bhankhor, was a homemaker. She is currently unmarried.
Career
Selja Kumari joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1990, quickly rising through the ranks. She served as the Joint-Secretary of the Mahila Congress that same year. Her political career gained significant momentum with her election as an MP from Haryana’s Sirsa Lok Sabha Constituency in 1991.
Subsequent appointments included Union Deputy Minister of Education & Culture and the Ministry of Human Resources Development under P. V. Narasimha Rao’s government. She continued to ascend, holding various ministerial positions and consistently winning elections.
Her roles also extended to international organizations; for example, she served as the President of the 21st Governing Council of UN-Habitat.
She has served as an MP and Minister in various capacities throughout her career, showcasing her dedication and long-standing commitment to public service.
Controversies
Selja Kumari’s career has not been without its share of controversies. In March 2011, she faced legal notices from the Punjab and Haryana High Courts concerning allegations of forgery, fabrication, intimidation, and conspiracy related to the Mirchpur case. Another incident involved an assault during a train journey in 2013.
Car Collection
Selja Kumari’s car collection includes a Honda City (2019 model).
Assets/Properties
Selja Kumari’s assets include significant holdings in real estate and financial assets. A detailed breakdown is provided in the table below.
| Asset Type | Details | Value (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | – | 200,000 |
| Bank Deposits | – | 47,900,000 |
| Jewellery | – | 2,122,000 |
| Agricultural Land (Hisar) | – | 27,400,000 |
| Agricultural Land (Sonipat) | – | 38,400,000 |
| Non-Agricultural Land (Gurugram) | – | 14,100,000 |
| Non-Agricultural Land (Silokhera) | – | 1,340,000 |
| Non-Agricultural Land (Faridabad) | – | 478,000 |
| Non-Agricultural Land (Hisar) | – | 7,320,000 |
| Non-Agricultural Land (Faridabad) | – | 51,200,000 |
| Non-Agricultural Land (Faridabad) | – | 1,046,000 |
| Residential Building (Hisar) | – | 5,372,000 |
| Residential Building (Hisar) | – | 15,400,000 |
Salary & Net Worth
As a Rajya Sabha member, Selja Kumari receives a salary of 1 lac INR plus allowances. Her net worth was estimated at 20.05 crores INR in 2019.
Facts/Trivia
Selja Kumari enjoys a close relationship with Sonia Gandhi. Her dedication and loyalty are evident in various instances, including accompanying Sonia Gandhi to the hospital during a medical emergency.
Further highlighting her importance within the party, she was appointed President of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) in September 2019, a position that demanded strong leadership and decision-making skills. This appointment underscores her significant contribution to the political landscape of Haryana.
