Vasundhararaje

Scion of the Gwalior royal family and former Union minister of state in the Vajpayee ministry, Vasundhararaje Scindia faces toughest challenge of her political career so far as she tries to oust Ashok Gehlot Government in Rajasthan as the state BJP chief.

Scion of the Gwalior royal family and former Union minister of state in the Vajpayee ministry, Vasundhararaje Scindia faces toughest challenge of her political career so far as she tries to oust Ashok Gehlot Government in Rajasthan as the state BJP chief.

Born on March 8, 1953 in Mumbai, the daughter of Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia combines the glamour of the Gwalior nobility with individual charisma. She married former ruler of Dholpur, Hemant Singh, on Nov 17, 1972. This marriage is an additional factor that endears her to the local populace.

Starting with a series of 'yatras' across the state, the young and dynamic leader from royal family has made the contest very interesting, with many poll pundits giving BJP a little edge over Congress this time.

She represents Rajasthan's Jhalawar seat in Parliament. It was like a cakewalk yet again for her in 1999 Lok Sabha polls when she won for the fifth time from the constituency. However, the area is still considered one of the most backward in the state.

Following is a brief profile of Vasundhararare Scindia

Father’s Name: Late Jivajirao Scindia

Mother’s Name: Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia

Date of Birth: 8 March 1953

Place of Birth: Mumbai (Maharashtra)

Marital Status: Married

Date of Marriage: 17 November 1972

Spouse’s Name: Hemant Singh

No. of Sons: One

Educational Qualifications: B A (Hons.) (Economics and Political Science)
Educated at Sophia College, Bombay University, Mumbai (Maharashtra)

Profession: Political and Social Worker

Permanent Address: Pratap Chowk, Jhalawar-326 001
(Rajasthan)

Present Address 1, Sunehari Bagh Road,
New Delhi-110 011
Tel. (011) 3010724, 3014210
Fax. (011) 3013103
Positions Held

1984 onwards Member, National Executive, Bharatiya Janata Party

1985-89 Member, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
Vice-President, Yuva Morcha BJP, Rajasthan (for 2yrs)

1987 onwards Vice-President, BJP, Rajasthan

1989 Elected to 9th Lok Sabha

1990-91 Member (Library Committee), Member, consultative Committee, Ministries of Commerce and Tourism

1991 Re-elected to 10th Lok Sabha (2nd term)

1991-96 Member, Consultative Committees, Ministries of Power, Science and Technology, Environment and Tourism

1996 Re-elected to 11th Lok Sabha (3rd term)

1996-97 Member, Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests Member, Consultative Committees, Ministries of Power, Science and Technology and Tourism

1997 onwards Joint Secretary, B.J.P. Parliamentary Party

1998 Re-elected to 12th Lok Sabha (4th term)

1998-99 Union Minister of State, External Affairs

1999 Re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha (5th term)

13 Oct. 1999-31 Aug, 2001: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Small Scale 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 Sept. 2001-1 Nov. 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 Nov 2001-29 Jan, 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)

Favourite Pastime and Recreation: Reading, music and gardening

E-mail: vasundhara@sansad.nic.in

Present Address
1, Sunehari Bagh Road,
New Delhi - 110011
(011) 23010724
Permanent Address
Pratap Chowk,
Jalawar, Rajasthan