Chief's Minister Profile

Smt Vasundhara Raje was born on March 8, 1953 in Mumbai. She is the fourth child of the incumbent Ruler of Gwalior His Highness Jivaji Rao Scindia and his wife Rajmata Vijaya Raje. She completed her school education from Presentation Convent, Kodaikanal. Thereafter, she graduated in Economic and Political Science (Hons.) from Sophia College, Mumbai University, Mumbai, (Maharasthra).

Smt Raje came in touch with Rajasthan with her marriage to the incumbent ruler of Dholpur, Maharaja Hemant Singh on November 17, 1972. Since then her relationship with Rajasthan has become stronger.

Social and Political interests were inculcated in Vasundhara Raje from early childhood by her mother Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia. She has been working for social causes since an early age.

Smt Vasundhara Raje's political involvement started with her induction in the National working Committee of Bhartiya Janta Party in the year 1984. She was the Vice President of the State BJP YUVA Morcha for two years (1984-1986). She represented Dholpur as MLA in the State Assembly from 1985-1989.

She was the vice-president of the State Unit of BJP from 1987 to 1989 and was elected as MP from Jhalawar for the first time in 1989. Since then, she was elected for further four successive terms for the Lok Sabha in 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999.

Representation of a constituency in the Lok Sabha for five consecutive terms is a sure indication of her popularity. In 1997, she was elected Joint Secretary, BJP Parliamentary Committee.

Smt Vasundhara Raje, because of her dedication, sincerity and efficiency, was give the portfolio of Minister of State for External Affairs in 1998-99 in the cabinet headed by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. On October 13, 1999, Smt Raje was again included in the Central Ministry as State Minister with independent charge of Small Industries, Personnel & Training, Pension & Pensioners Welfare, Personnel & Public Grievances and Pension Ministry, Nuclear Energy Department and Space Department, etc. Smt Vasundhara Raje was appointed as the President of the Rajasthan Unit of BJP in September 2002. Her "Parivartan Yatra" helped her understand the miseries of the citizens of Rajasthan and problems in development of the State.

Smt. Vasundhara Raje has been elected for the 12th State Assembly from Jhalarapatan constituency of Jahalwar district.

Smt Vasundhara Raje's hobbies include reading, music, horse riding and gardening. She has visited England, Japan, China, Nepal Bangladesh Egypt, Morocco, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Korea, etc. for various social causes.

Smt Vasundhara Raje was elected unanimously as the leader of the BJP State unit on December 6, 2003. she was sworn in as the first woman Chief Minister of the State on December 8, 2003.