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Vasundhara Raje

Vasundhara Raje Scindia, commonly known as Vasundhara Raje, is the current Chief Minister of Rajasthan. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Raje has held this post from 2003-08. She is the first female Chief Minister of Rajasthan and belongs to the prominent Scindia royal Maratha family. For her efforts in assisting women in self empowerment, she was awarded the 'Women Together Award' by the UNO.

Born on 8^th March 1953 in Mumbai, Vasundhara Raje was born to Jivaji Rao Scindia and Vijayaraje Scindia. Her father was the last reigning Maharaja of Gwalior, a princely state before independence situated at the heart of India whereas her mother was one of the most prominent politicians in independent India and in her 4 decade political career, she served eight times as the Member of Parliament and represented Guna constituency in the Parliament. Vasundhara Raje was the third out of the four children born to Jivaji Rao Scindia and Vijayaraje Scindia. She has a elder sister Usha Raje, an elder brother late Shri Maadhavrao Scindia was a politician and he died in 2001. She also has a younger sister Smt Yashodhara Raje who serves as the Member of Parliament from Gwalior representing BJP. Born in such a family, Raje completed her schooling from Presentation Convent from Lodaikanal in Tamil Nadu and later graduated from Sophia College in Mumbai with the degree in Economics and Political Science. Since she hailed from a politically active family, Raje had interest in politics from the very beginning. She began her political career in 1984 as a member of the National Executive of BJP. BJP was formed in 1980 and Raje joined BJP in 1984. Later in 1985, she was appointed as the Vice President of the Yuva Morcha of Rajasthan the youth wing of BJP. She contested her first elections in the 1985 assembly elections representing the Dholpur Assembly. She won the election and became the Member of the Legislative Assembly. In the 1989 general elections, she contested the elections from Jhalawar constituency in Rajasthana and got elected as the Member of Parliament in the 1989 elections.

From 1989 onwards, she won four successive Lok Sabha elections representing Jhalawar. During the 12^th Lok Sabha of 1998, when BJP won 182 seats and later formed a coalition government, Raje was sworn in as the Minister of state of External Affairs. She also played an important role during India's testing of nuclear capabilities and after the international community imposed sanctions on India, she represented India in foreign policy and engaged with the sections of international community and made them withdrew the sanctions imposed by them. However, the Vajpayee Government couldn't survive for a long time and the ministry resigned 13 months after its formation. However, in th next election, the Vajpayee government was formed again and Vasundhara Raje became the MP for the 5th time and this time she took the oath as a Minister of State with independent charge and handled portfolios like Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural industries and assisted the Prime Minister in Department of Pensions and Pensioners in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space. As the minister of small scale industries, she initiated the phased removal of the reservation policy providing for reservation of certain items to be manufactured only by small industries to encourage greater competitiveness within the small-scale sector. She was also a part of the drafting of the bill to enhance accountability and transparency which later became the foundation of the Right to Information act. She returned to state politics in 1993 and led the party to win the election. BJP won 120 out of 200 seats in the legislative assembly. She was chosen as the face of the party in the state and was appointed as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan and became the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Her term in the office is known for focusing on the infrastructure of the state and for the launch of various social initiatives. She was recognized for empowering the women of the state by promoting self-help group and was awarded the Women Together Award from the United Nations in 2007 for her initiatives. However, her term was also marked with the caste violence in the state leading to the Gurjar movement. In the 2008 elections, due to the caste violence, BJP lost its power and Congress formed a coalition government in the state. Vasundhara Raje was then appointed as the leader of opposition in the legislative assembly and looked after the organizational matters of the party. In the 2013 election, BJP got re elected in the state after winning 163 seats and Raje was once again selected as the Chief Minister and she began her second term as Chief Minister.

Vasundhara Raje was married to Hemant Singh, the ex-royal Dholpur family. They have a son Dushyant Singh who was elected to Lok Sabha from Jhalawar. Raje and Hemant Singh separated a year later after their marriage. Vasundhara Raje was in controversies after Lalit Modi revealed that Raje helped Laliit Modi after signing a document supporting his application to the British authorities. Congress accused Raje of corruption and alleged that she had granted favours to Modi in exchange of money.

Rajasthan Violence: Curfew Continues in Karauli, SIT Formed To Probe Incident | Key Updates
India.com News Desk | April 3, 2022 11:35 PM IST
600 policemen, including 50 officers of the ranks of deputy superintendent of police and inspector,
Rajasthan Violence: Curfew Continues in Karauli, SIT Formed To Probe Incident | Key Updates
indiacom
2022-04-03T12:35:56+00:00
2022-04-03T12:36:11+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Doctor's Suicide in Rajasthan: Opposition Raises Questions on System, Govt Promises Fair Probe
IANS | March 30, 2022 10:39 PM IST
Gehlot said that the whole matter is being investigated seriously. The guilty will not be spared.
Doctor's Suicide in Rajasthan: Opposition Raises Questions on System, Govt Promises Fair Probe
indiacom
2022-03-30T11:39:17+00:00
2022-03-30T21:12:16+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Missing Posters of Rajasthan's Former CM Vasundhara Raje, Son Appears in Jhalawad District
IANS | June 10, 2021 4:53 PM IST
BJP sources said that Raje and Dushyant have been shuttling between Delhi and Dholpur and have been
Missing Posters of Rajasthan's Former CM Vasundhara Raje, Son Appears in Jhalawad District
indiacom
2021-06-10T05:53:38+00:00
2021-06-10T05:56:05+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
PM Modi Releases Rs 100 Coin in Honour of Vijaya Raje Scindia, Know All About The Jana Sangh Stalwart
India.com News Desk | October 12, 2020 12:50 PM IST
Notably, her daughter Vasundhara Raje and grandson Jyotiraditya Scindia are senior BJP leaders.
PM Modi Releases Rs 100 Coin in Honour of Vijaya Raje Scindia, Know All About The Jana Sangh Stalwart
indiacom
2020-10-12T01:50:34+00:00
2020-10-12T01:57:20+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Rajasthan Political Drama: BJP Vice President Vasundhara Raje Calls on Governor Ahead of Assembly Session
India.com News Desk | August 13, 2020 11:18 PM IST
Notably, the BJP has decided to move a no-confidence motion against the Gehlot government in
Rajasthan Political Drama: BJP Vice President Vasundhara Raje Calls on Governor Ahead of Assembly Session
indiacom
2020-08-13T12:18:02+00:00
2020-08-13T12:18:02+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Rajasthan Crisis: Congress Alleges Vasundhara Raje Linked to Horse-trading to Topple Gehlot Government
India.com News Desk | July 19, 2020 6:21 PM IST
Earlier, Vasundhara Raje said the Congress is trying to shift the blame on the BJP and the BJP
Rajasthan Crisis: Congress Alleges Vasundhara Raje Linked to Horse-trading to Topple Gehlot Government
indiacom
2020-07-19T07:21:34+00:00
2020-07-19T07:23:53+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Rajasthan Political Crisis: Unfortunate That People Paying For Congress Infighting, Vasundhara Raje Reacts For 1st Time
India.com News Desk | July 18, 2020 4:40 PM IST
Notably, this is the first time that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP's) prominent face in the state
Rajasthan Political Crisis: Unfortunate That People Paying For Congress Infighting, Vasundhara Raje Reacts Fo
indiacom
2020-07-18T05:40:24+00:00
2020-07-18T05:44:18+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Kanika Kapoor Party Fiasco: Vasundhara Raje, Son Dushyant Singh Test Negative For Coronavirus
India.com News Desk | March 21, 2020 6:02 PM IST
The two will, however, continue to stay in self-isolation for another 15 days. Earlier this month,
Kanika Kapoor Party Fiasco: Vasundhara Raje, Son Dushyant Singh Test Negative For Coronavirus
indiacom
2020-03-21T07:02:49+00:00
2020-03-21T07:04:48+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Coronavirus: 236 Cases in India, Biggest Jump in a Day, Kanika-Dushyant Trail Spreads Panic Among Parliamentarians
India.com News Desk | March 20, 2020 11:28 PM IST
What added to fresh scare on Friday was singer Kanika Kapoor's positive case as the singer recently
Coronavirus: 236 Cases in India, Biggest Jump in a Day, Kanika-Dushyant Trail Spreads Panic Among Parliamenta
indiacom
2020-03-20T12:28:27+00:00
2020-03-20T13:36:24+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Vasundhara Raje And Son Dushyant Under Self-Quarantine After Partying Out With Coronavirus Infected Kanika Kapoor
India.com Entertainment Desk | March 20, 2020 7:28 PM IST
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and her son go under self-isolation after Kanika
Vasundhara Raje And Son Dushyant Under Self-Quarantine After Partying Out With Coronavirus Infected Kanika Ka
indiacom
2020-03-20T08:28:31+00:00
2020-03-20T08:28:31+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Good to be on The Same Team: Aunt Vasundhara Raje Welcomes Nephew Jyotiraditya Scindia to BJP
India.com News Desk | March 11, 2020 4:19 PM IST
In a tweet, the former Rajasthan CM said that if 'Rajmata' was alive, she'd be elated to see
Good to be on The Same Team: Aunt Vasundhara Raje Welcomes Nephew Jyotiraditya Scindia to BJP
indiacom
2020-03-11T05:19:13+00:00
2020-03-11T05:22:26+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Vasundhara Raje Demands Ashok Gehlot's Resignation Over Rape Cases
PTI | June 5, 2019 12:36 AM IST
She said the government has lost confidence of MLAs and ministers and the chief minister should
Vasundhara Raje Demands Ashok Gehlot's Resignation Over Rape Cases
indiacom
2019-06-04T13:36:07+00:00
2019-06-04T13:36:07+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Raje's Son Dushyant Singh Wins From Jhalawar-Baran Seat
PTI | May 23, 2019 10:00 PM IST
Raje had represented the seat for five terms from 1989 to 2004 after which her son was elected from
Raje's Son Dushyant Singh Wins From Jhalawar-Baran Seat
indiacom
2019-05-23T11:00:54+00:00
2019-05-23T11:00:54+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Vasundhara Raje Thanks Rajasthan Voters, as She Praises BJP Leadership
PTI | May 23, 2019 3:33 PM IST
The saffron party contested on 24 seats in Rajasthan, leaving one seat to its alliance partner,
Vasundhara Raje Thanks Rajasthan Voters, as She Praises BJP Leadership
indiacom
2019-05-23T04:33:25+00:00
2019-05-23T04:33:25+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Delhi High Court Asks Centre, Enforcement Directorate For Action Taken Against Vasundhara Raje's Son Over Money Laundering Allegations
India.com News Desk | December 13, 2018 9:13 PM IST
A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice VK Rao gave the government time till December
Delhi High Court Asks Centre, Enforcement Directorate For Action Taken Against Vasundhara Raje's Son Over Mon
indiacom
2018-12-13T10:13:21+00:00
2018-12-13T10:13:21+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
NOTA Votes in 12 Rajasthan Constituencies Exceeded Victory Margin
India.com News Desk | December 13, 2018 4:42 PM IST
It has affected both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
NOTA Votes in 12 Rajasthan Constituencies Exceeded Victory Margin
indiacom
2018-12-13T05:42:45+00:00
2018-12-13T05:43:13+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
13 of 19 Rajasthan Ministers Lose Elections; CM Vasundhara Raje Retains Her Seat
India.com News Desk | December 11, 2018 8:30 PM IST
Raje won the Jhalrapatan seat with a margin of 34,980 votes by defeating her nearest rival and
13 of 19 Rajasthan Ministers Lose Elections; CM Vasundhara Raje Retains Her Seat
indiacom
2018-12-11T09:30:09+00:00
2018-12-11T09:38:43+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Rajasthan Election Results 2018 Complete Winners List, Party and Constituency Wise Results: Pilot, Raje, Gehlot Win From Tonk, Jhalrapatan, Sardarpura
India.com News Desk | December 11, 2018 8:25 AM IST
The counting of votes for the 199 Assembly seats out of 200 in Rajasthan began at 8 AM on December
Rajasthan Election Results 2018 Complete Winners List, Party and Constituency Wise Results: Pilot, Raje, Gehl
indiacom
2018-12-10T21:25:43+00:00
2018-12-11T07:46:10+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Vasundhara Raje: 'Maharani' CM's Raj Loses to Cong, to Fight Another Day
Press Trust of India | December 11, 2018 6:26 PM IST
The high-profile Raje, who blends well into the erstwhile land of kings and queens and grand forts,
Vasundhara Raje: 'Maharani' CM's Raj Loses to Cong, to Fight Another Day
indiacom
2018-12-11T07:26:07+00:00
2018-12-11T07:26:07+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com
Rajasthan Assembly Election 2018 Results: Newly Elected Congress MLAs to Meet in Jaipur on Wednesday
India.com News Desk | December 11, 2018 4:39 PM IST
Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Sachin Pilot won the Tonk assembly constituency,
Rajasthan Assembly Election 2018 Results: Newly Elected Congress MLAs to Meet in Jaipur on Wednesday
indiacom
2018-12-11T05:39:52+00:00
2018-12-11T05:39:52+00:00
Vasundhara Raje
India.com