A Detailed Biography
Full Name: Giriraj Singh
Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Constituency: Begusarai, Bihar
Date of Birth: 8th September 1952
Birthplace: Barahiya, Lakhisarai district, Bihar
Residence: New Delhi and Bihar
Spouse: Uma Sinha
Children: One son
Early Life and Education
Shri Giriraj Singh was born into a middle-class family in the small town of Barahiya in the Lakhisarai district of Bihar. His early life was modest, growing up in a rural environment. He pursued his higher education in Bihar but his educational qualifications are not widely publicized.
Political Career
Giriraj Singh is a senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has been active in politics since the late 1970s. Over the years, he has served in various capacities at both the state and national levels, gaining prominence through his strong stance on nationalistic and development issues.
Political Timeline:
- State-Level Politics (Bihar):
- 2005-2010: Minister of Cooperative, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries in the Government of Bihar.
- 2010-2013: Minister of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Bihar.
In Bihar, Giriraj Singh made his mark as a strong advocate for agricultural development, especially in areas like cooperative farming and fisheries.
- National Politics:
- 2014: Elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Nawada constituency in the 16th Lok Sabha.
- 2019: Elected as MP from Begusarai constituency with a substantial margin. His election from Begusarai was highly publicized due to the contest against Kanhaiya Kumar, a prominent leftist leader.
- Ministerial Roles:
- 2014-2019: Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
- 2019-present: Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries, playing a key role in agricultural development, particularly in promoting animal husbandry and dairy-based livelihoods in rural areas.
Political Ideology and Beliefs
Giriraj Singh is known for his staunch support of Hindutva and has been outspoken on issues of national security, illegal immigration, and cultural nationalism. His speeches often reflect his firm belief in promoting India’s cultural heritage, and he has been a vocal critic of religious conversions and illegal immigration from neighboring countries like Bangladesh.
Giriraj Singh is also a strong proponent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). His ministry focuses on boosting rural employment through animal husbandry and dairy farming. Singh has also been a vocal advocate for India’s small businesses and entrepreneurial growth through the MSME sector.
Controversies
Giriraj Singh has been involved in several controversies due to his outspoken nature and strong views on sensitive issues:
- Comments on Pakistan and Muslim Community: He has made several controversial statements targeting Pakistan and questioning the loyalty of Indian Muslims, which drew criticism.
- Criticism of Opposition: Singh often uses sharp language against political opponents, including leaders from the Congress and left-wing ideologies.
Despite these controversies, Giriraj Singh has a significant following due to his unapologetic defense of his views and strong grassroots support in rural Bihar.
Public Image and Leadership Style
Giriraj Singh is seen as a leader who connects with the common people, particularly in rural India. His speeches often focus on rural issues, agricultural development, and nationalist themes. He is known for his straightforward, sometimes blunt communication style, which resonates with a section of voters looking for decisive leadership.
Achievements as Minister
As Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries, Giriraj Singh has played a key role in several national schemes:
- Development of Fisheries and Dairy Industry: His efforts have led to the promotion of fish farming and dairy production, with programs that help rural farmers increase their incomes.
- Promotion of MSMEs: During his tenure as Minister for MSMEs, Singh emphasized on increasing credit facilities for small enterprises and promoting entrepreneurship through various government schemes.
Electoral Victories
- 2014 General Elections: Won from the Nawada constituency.
- 2019 General Elections: Won from Begusarai with a record margin, defeating CPI candidate Kanhaiya Kumar.
Personal Life
Giriraj Singh is married to Uma Sinha, and the couple has one son. He has a strong connection with his constituency in Bihar and often spends time addressing the issues faced by the local people, especially farmers. He enjoys a simple lifestyle and is known for his dedication to social and cultural causes, including rural development.
Conclusion
Shri Giriraj Singh remains a prominent figure in Indian politics, representing a strong nationalist sentiment. His journey from a small-town leader to a national figure in the BJP is marked by his consistent advocacy for rural development, cultural pride, and his often provocative stand on key issues. As a minister, his contributions to agriculture, MSMEs, and animal husbandry continue to shape India’s rural economy and development agenda.