Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat is a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Uttarakhand and has served as the Chief Minister of the state. Here’s a detailed look at his life, education, and political career:
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Trivendra Singh Rawat was born on December 20, 1960, in the village of Khairasain, located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh).
- Family Background: He comes from a modest family with a deep-rooted connection to Uttarakhand’s culture and traditions.
- Education: Rawat pursued a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Birla Campus in Srinagar, Garhwal, which is part of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. His educational background laid the foundation for his communication skills and understanding of public relations.
Early Career and Social Involvement
- RSS Involvement: Before entering mainstream politics, Trivendra Singh Rawat was deeply involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He served as a pracharak (campaigner) for the RSS for several years. His time in the RSS helped him build grassroots connections and gain organizational experience, which later shaped his political career.
Political Career
- Joining the BJP: Rawat’s political journey with the BJP began in the 1980s. His strong organizational skills and RSS background quickly gained him recognition within the party.
- First Election Victory: In 2002, Rawat contested and won his first election to the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly from the Doiwala constituency.
- Ministerial Roles: Over the years, he held several important portfolios in the state government, including serving as the Agriculture Minister in Uttarakhand.
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
- Tenure: On March 18, 2017, Trivendra Singh Rawat became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand after the BJP secured a majority in the state assembly elections.
- Key Initiatives: As Chief Minister, he focused on strengthening the state’s infrastructure, promoting tourism, and ensuring better governance. He was particularly focused on environmental preservation, a key issue for the ecologically sensitive state of Uttarakhand.
- Resignation: In March 2021, Rawat resigned from the post of Chief Minister, paving the way for new leadership within the BJP in Uttarakhand. His resignation was seen as a result of internal party dynamics and pressure from various factions within the state.
Personal Life
- Family: Trivendra Singh Rawat is married to Smt. Sunita Rawat, and the couple has two daughters. His personal life has been marked by simplicity and a strong connection to his roots in Uttarakhand.
Legacy
Rawat’s legacy as Chief Minister includes his focus on transparency and development. He was instrumental in pushing forward schemes related to agriculture, water management, and health. His tenure was also characterized by efforts to make Uttarakhand a preferred destination for spiritual tourism, with a focus on enhancing the infrastructure around the Char Dham Yatra.