Vasundhara Raje Scindia is the former Chief Minister of the state of Rajasthan, India. She was the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan and she presided over the office from December 2003 up to December 2008. Vasundhara Raje, a born princess learnt the basics of political niceties from her mother late Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia and elder brother late Madhavrao Scindia. Since an early age she has been working for social causes.
Early Life of Vasundhara Raje Scindia
Vasundhara Raje was born on March 8, 1953, in Mumbai as the fourth child of the serving Ruler of Gwalior, His Highness Jivaji Rao Scindia and his wife Rajmata Vijaya Raje. She studied from Presentation Convent, Kodaikanal, in Tamil Nadu. Later, she went to Sophia College for Women, University of Mumbai, Maharashtra and graduated in Economic and Political Science (Honours).
Political Career of Vasundhara Raje Scindia
Vasundhara Raje got involved with politics from the year 1984. She was inducted to the National working Committee of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in that very same year. For two years 1984-1986, she served as the Vice President of the State BJP YUVA Morcha. As MLA in the State Assembly, she represented Dholpur from 1985-1989. From 1987 to 1989, she held the post of vice-president of the State Unit of BJP and for the first time in 1989, she was elected as MP from Jhalawar. She was elected since then, for further four successive terms for the Lok Sabha in 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999. For 5 consecutive terms, representation of a constituency in the Lok Sabha is a definite signal of her popularity. She was elected as the Joint Secretary, BJP Parliamentary Committee in the year 1997.
With her devotion, sincerity and efficiency Vasundhara Raje, earned the portfolio of Minister of State for External Affairs in 1998-99 and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee headed the cabinet. Raje was again included in the Central Ministry on October 13, 1999, as State Minister with independent charge of Small Industries, Personnel and Training, Pension and Pensioners Welfare, Personnel and Public Grievances and Pension Ministry, Nuclear Energy Department and Space Department, etc.
In September 2002, Vasundhara Raje was honoured with the post of the President of the Rajasthan Unit of BJP. She conducted the Parivartan Yatra, which helped her recognise the miseries of the citizens of Rajasthan and problems in development of the State. From Jhalarapatan constituency of Jhalawar District, Vasundhara Raje has been elected for the 12th State Assembly.
Positions Held by Vasundhara Raje Scindia
* 1984 : Member, National Executive, Bharatiya Janata Party (B.J.P.)
* 1985-87 : Vice-President, Yuva Morcha B.J.P., Rajasthan
* 1987 : Vice-President, B.J.P., Rajasthan 1985-90 Member, 8th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
* 1989-91 : Member, 9th Lok Sabha
* 1990-91 : Member, Library Committee, Member, Consultative Committee, Ministries of Commerce and Tourism
* 1991-96 : Member, 10th Lok Sabha
* 1991-96 : Member, Consultative Committees, Ministries of Power, Science and Technology, Environment and Tourism1996-97 Member, Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests, Member, Consultative Committees, Ministries of Power, Science and Technology and Tourism
* 1997-1998 : Joint Secretary, B.J.P. Parliamentary Party
* 1996-8 : Member, 11th Lok Sabha
* 1997-1998 : Joint Secretary, B.J.P. Parliamentary Party
* 1998-99 : Member, 12th Lok Sabha and Union Minister of State, External Affairs
* 1999-03 : Member, 13th Lok Sabha
* 2003: President, B.J.P., Rajasthan
* 2003 onwards Member, 12th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
* 8 Dec, 2003 - 8 Dec, 2008: Chief Minister, Rajasthan
* 2 Jan, 2009 - Leader of Opposition, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly
Vasundhara Raje Scindia as Chief Minister
On December 8, 2003, Vasundhara Raje Scindia was sworn in as the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan. During her administration, the state improved in power generation and massive road and canal-building projects. Vasundhara Raje also implemented Tourism Unit Policy, in order to enhance Rajasthan tourism industry. She also initiated establishment of new schools and colleges and introduced mid-day meal schemes for mothers, along with transportation vouchers, insurance schemes for girl students and skills training for workers. In 2008 Rajasthan assembly elections, BJP was defeated and Vasundhara Raje resigned as the Chief Minister. Vasundhara is now the Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan state assembly.
Post 2008 Assembly Elections
BJP suffered a defeat in 2008 Rajasthan assembly elections and Vasundhara Raje quit as Chief Minister of state. Vasundhara now holds the position of Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan state assembly.
Personal Life of Vasundhara Raje Scindia
Vasundhara Raje Scindia was married to the ruler of Dholpur, Maharaja Hemant Singh, on November 17, 1972. But they separated after a year. Her son Dushyant Singh was elected to the Lok Sabha from her former constituency. She was honoured with the Women Together Award, in 2007, by the United Nations Organisation, for her efforts to support women in self-empowerment. Moreover, she is passionate about Reading, music, horse riding and gardening.
