Vasundhara Raje Scindia, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has made significant contributions to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the nation. This comprehensive profile delves into her life, career, and legacy.

Biography/Wiki

Born on March 8, 1953, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, Vasundhara Raje is the daughter of the late Jivajirao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior. Her early education was at Presentation Convent, Kodaikanal, followed by higher education at Sophia College, Mumbai University, where she majored in Economics and Political Science. As of 2023, she is 70 years old.

Family

Vasundhara Raje’s family boasts a rich history. Her father, Jivajirao Scindia, and mother, Vijaya Raje Scindia, were prominent figures in their own right. Her brother, the late Madhavrao Scindia, was a leader in the Indian National Congress. She also has several sisters: Padma Raje, Usha Raje, Padmavati Raje, and Yashodhara Raje. Her nephew, Jyotiraditya Scindia, is also a well-known politician.

She married Maharaja Rana Hemant Singh of the Jat royal family of Jodhpur on November 17, 1972. Their son, Dushyant Singh, is also involved in politics.

Caste

Vasundhara Raje hails from a royal Maratha Kunbi clan. Kunbis are traditionally farmers in Western India, and in Maharashtra, they are classified as Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Career

Raje’s political career began with her joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Key milestones include:

• 1984: Became a Member of the National Executive of the BJP.
• 1985: Elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
• 1989: First elected Member of Parliament.
• 1998: Appointed Union Minister of State for External Affairs.
• 2003: Became the first female Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
• 2013: Second term as Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
• 2023: Won the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections from the Jhalrapatan constituency.

During her time as Chief Minister, she implemented various policies focused on tourism, social welfare (including mid-day meals for mothers, insurance schemes, and skills training for workers), and infrastructure development.

Controversies

Throughout her career, Raje has faced several controversies, notably those related to alleged assistance to Lalit Modi and the justification of mining leases near the Aravali Hills.

Awards

Raje has received several awards, including the Woman Together Award from the United Nations in 2007 and the Best Chief Minister of the Year Award in 2017.

Salary/Net Worth

As of 2013, her declared assets included significant bank deposits, investments, and jewelry. Her net worth was estimated to be around ?4 Crore.

Interesting Facts

A biography titled “Vasundhara Raje Aur Vikasit Rajasthan” was written by historian Vijay Nahar. Her sister, Yashodhara Raje Scindia, served as a Cabinet Minister in her government. Other family matters include a legal dispute concerning the family’s considerable property.

Family Details